Arsenal prepare Alex Oxlade–Chamberlain contract talks?

Arsenal are reportedly poised to offer winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain a lucrative new contract at the club.

The 19-year-old, who arrived at the Emirates Stadium from Southampton in a £12m deal 12 months ago, has more than four years remaining on his current deal.

However, the Gunners are keen to avoid a repeat of the situation that saw them reluctantly sell Samir Nasri and Robin van Persie to Premier League rivals once the players had entered the final year of their respective contracts.

According to The Sun, Arsenal will begin talks with Oxlade–Chamberlain in the coming weeks and manager Arsene Wenger is hopeful that seeing his friend commit to the club may persuade Theo Walcott to do the same.

Walcott's current contract expires in June 2013.