Arsenal Transfer News: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain Exit Hint, Alban Lafont Rumours

Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain dropped a big hint on Sunday that he could be on his way out of the Emirates Stadium in the not-too-distant future.

While appearing as a guest on Sky Sports’ Goals on Sunday, the England international said that he needs more game time than he’s getting and that may not be possible under manager Arsene Wenger (via Mark Critchley of The Independent):

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I’d be lying if I said it hadn’t crossed my mind that I need more game time. As a footballer, you want to play every game. Me being myself, I'm not happy when I'm not playing.

There is going to come a time in my career, and I think I'm approaching that, when I do need to be getting more regular football.

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Oxlade-Chamberlain joined Arsenal back in 2011 as a wonderkid with endless potential, yet he hasn’t quite lived up to the hype.

Despite his obvious talent, injuries have taken their toll on the 23-year-old, meaning he’s found chances few and far between in the famous white-sleeved red shirt.

The emergence of Alex Iwobi this term has done little to help Oxlade-Chamberlain’s cause, either, while Theo Walcott’s excellent form has slipped him further down the pecking order.

Even so, Oxlade-Chamberlain—who is under contract at the Emirates Stadium until 2018—said he’s fully focused on Arsenal and helping them fight for silverware this season:

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My focus completely and utterly now is on playing for Arsenal and still trying to break into the team when I get the opportunity. Help out if I have to come off the bench, do what I did [against Swansea City] and come on and make a difference.

My sole aim for now is to help Arsenal and keep pushing myself to play in this team, because you know, I love playing at Arsenal. It's a great club, it's a great team and I've got a lot of faith in the team.

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Oxlade-Chamberlain came on as a late substitute in the Gunners’ 3-2 victory over Swansea on Saturday, as Wenger’s men kept up the pressure on Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table.

Elsewhere, Arsenal are reportedly lining up a successor to goalkeeper Petr Cech.

As French outlet L’Equipe revealed, Gunners scouts are keeping tabs on young Toulouse stopper Alban Lafont (via Chris Davie of Metro).

Romain Perrocheau/Getty Images

Arsenal will face stiff competition for the 17-year-old’s signature, though, as Davie reported Watford, Juventus and FC Porto are also interested in the starlet.

The Gunners spurned a great opportunity to end their Premier League title drought last term after a great start to the campaign, and they’re looking good in the early exchanges this time around, too.

But winning the title depends on whether they can maintain such high standards for 38 games. An impact sub such as Oxlade-Chamberlain could be crucial in a long season, but Wenger will need to give him more time on the pitch to get his confidence up and keep him loyal to the club.