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Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain spent seven years at Arsenal and developed into a very good player under Arsene Wenger.
The Englishman joined the Gunners from Southampton as a teenager and quickly established himself as one of the most exciting young talents in the Premier League.
Wenger played a huge role in his development, but despite that, Oxlade-Chamberlain chose to leave Arsenal in 2017 to join Liverpool.
Now, he has revealed the real reason behind that decision.
Would things have been different for Oxlade-Chamberlain at Arsenal had Arsene Wenger used him in midfield?
Credit: Getty Images/Michael Regan Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain opens up on his Arsenal exit
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain had the potential to become a star at Arsenal.
With one of his biggest strengths being his versatility, the Englishman was used on both wings, in midfield and even as a wing-back during his time there.
However, Oxlade-Chamberlain always wanted to play as a central midfielder. He was even promised that opportunity by Arsene Wenger, but it was never fulfilled.
That frustration ultimately led to his decision to leave the club and join Liverpool.
Speaking about his exit on All Out football, Oxlade-Chamberlain said: “No part of me wanted to leave Arsenal. I loved it there and was really comfortable there. I was seven years in.
“The overriding thing was I was always told I’m going into midfield. And it was always ‘next season, we’re gonna do it next season’. Then, we went to five at the back, and I ended up at wingback, and I thought: ‘Oh no, I’m going in the wrong direction. I’m going backwards.’
“There was also a little element with Arsene, like I didn’t know how long he was going to stay there. I was kind of his guy, and he liked me, but at the same time, football moves fast. If he leaves and I’m at wingback, people now see me as a wingback. Is that my position?
“Then, Liverpool said: ‘You’re coming to be number eight.’”
Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/DeFodi Images via Getty Images
Myles Lewis-Skelly is naturally a midfielder, but he has mostly been used as a left-back under Mikel Arteta.
The youngster has barely featured this season and has now dropped to third-choice left-back in the squad.
That situation has raised questions about his long-term future at the Emirates.
What would your immediate reaction be if Arsenal sold Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly?
Credit: Getty Images/ Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC
There is already interest from other clubs who are keen to sign Lewis-Skelly and offer him more regular opportunities.
The teenager could decide to move on for two clear reasons: a lack of game time and uncertainty over his best position.
It would mirror Oxlade-Chamberlain’s situation, where staying at Arsenal no longer aligned with his development as a player.
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