Under-fire Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has said that he is 'surprised' to hear reports linking winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain with a move away from north-London.
The 23-year-old has been tipped to leave Arsenal this summer after reportedly becoming unhappy with his lack of first-team opportunities, and Liverpool look the most likely to place a bid when the season ends, according toreports.
A number of Premier League clubs are on alert for the England international, but Wenger insists he is 'surprised' by the reports.
"I haven't seen that," said Wenger on the exit rumours,as quoted by Talk Sport.
"I'm surprised by that because I believe that he has been developed well, he is developing well at the moment and he has been given his chance.
"When you are somewhere, you have to want to be there first. After that, the only thing I can say is that personally I rate him highly.
Sky sources: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain wants to leave Arsenal this summer https://t.co/0qffJhNCN9 pic.twitter.com/fOjvNVUjwy
"I showed that in the way I keep faith in him when he spent long times out injured. He's developing very well at the moment.
"I personally wish that he stays at the club because I think he's a very promising player who developed very well. He looks to have the values that we rate at this club."
The Gunners slipped out of the top-four last weekend having lost to Liverpool and Anfield, and they are in danger of being caught by sixth-placed Manchester United, who are on an astonishing run of 17 games unbeaten.