Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain seeks assurances from Arsenal amid Liverpool and Manchester City interest

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will seek assurances over his first-team role at Arsenal before deciding whether to stay at the club.

The Gunners have opened talks with the 23-year-old over a new contract with just a year left on his existing agreement amid interest from Liverpool and Manchester City.

Arsenal expect Oxlade-Chamberlain to sign a new deal worth in the region of £100,000-a-week but negotiations have slowed with the midfielder determined to ensure he is a key part of manager Arsene Wenger’s plans.

Oxlade-Chamberlain has made no secret of his desire to play in a central role and enjoyed a brief spell there last season before Wenger switched to a 3-4-2-1 system.

That formation reinvigorated Arsenal and Oxlade-Chamberlain’s performances at right wing-back were key to its success.

However, Hector Bellerin is strong competition for that position while Arsenal are well-stocked for central midfielders and also retain an interest in signing Juventus’ Mario Lemina.

Liverpool are believed to have had an initial approach rebuffed as they explore the possibility of a £25m move but either the Reds or City could tempt Oxlade-Chamberlain into forcing through a deal should they indicate he will have a chance to operate in his ideal position.

Wenger is keen to keep Oxlade-Chamberlain, however, in addition to Theo Walcott, who was this morning linked with a move to West Ham.

Walcott found regular opportunities hard to come by once Wenger changed systems last season but it is understood he has no desire to leave the club at the present time.