Arsene Wenger speaks on Oxlade-Chamberlain's future

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed his intent to keep hold of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain beyond the stipulated length of his current contract. The England international has impressed for the Gunners in recent games following an extended spell on the substitutes' bench.

The 23-year-old, who has been with the Gunners since 2011, has just 18 months left on his present deal at the Emirates.

At his pre-match press conference, Wenger insisted that he is keen to prolong the stay of the former Southampton graduate, who has appeared 21 times for the Gunners this term.

"We want him to stay at the club. I bought him at a very young age and think he is developing well," he told reporters prior to the Everton game.

"This season he is making steps and moving forward. We have invested so much time and work in the player. He is integrating the qualities we want him to have and we want him to stay."

Oxlade-Chamberlain has already had his best season (six goals and six assists) in an Arsenal shirt, and he will seek to keep up this form as his side seek to end their Premier League drought.