Southampton manager Nigel Adkins says Arsenal have yet to bid for teenager Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Saints boss says Arsenal have made no bid for youngster
Southampton manager Nigel Adkins says Arsenal have yet to bid for starlet Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain amid speculation the clubs have opened talks.
The 17-year-old midfielder is regarded as one of English football's brightest up-and-coming talents and he has been consistently linked with a move to Emirates Stadium.
Adkins is aware of the fresh reports that the clubs are in discussions, although he insists the same scenario developed in the January transfer window when nothing materialised.
Saints' boss is sure Arsenal are mulling over a move for the youngster, however, if they are to secure his signature he explains they will have to follow proper procedure.
Scenario
"We had the same sort of scenario in January," he told
Sky Sports News. "He was going to go in January, wasn't he? But he didn't.
"I think it will be interesting when that does materialise if Arsenal or whoever does start talking to the football club.
"At this moment in time he is at Solent University doing fitness testing with the players and I had a conversation with Alex last week, he was doing a little bit of training.
"He really loves being at Southampton. It is as simple as that."
He added: "I think probably there is conversation going on in the boardroom at Arsenal about players who are probably going to stay and players that are going to leave.
"If Arsenal wanted to put a bid in I am sure they would put a bid in the right manner to the board and then this football club will decide what they want to go and do with that bid if it is offered."