Wenger urges Oxlade-Chamberlain to stay at Arsenal for 'next 10 years'

Manager Arsene Wenger is hopeful that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will resist outside temptations and lead Arsenal for years to come.

Uncertainty over Oxlade-Chamberlain's future at the club has loomed for much of the season as he's yet to sign a new contract, with James Ducker of the Telegraph adding further doubt with a report earlier this month indicating Liverpool is prepared to pay up to £35 million to secure a move for the versatile England international.

Since joining Arsenal from Southampton in 2011, the 23-year-old's career has been interrupted by several injuries that have forced him to miss a substantial amount of time over six seasons.

But Wenger feels the tide has turned and Oxlade-Chamberlain's bad luck with injuries is in the past as he identifies the winger as a key component capable of playing a major role at Arsenal for the next decade.

"I want him to be part of Arsenal Football Club for the next 10 years," Wenger told reporters, according to Simon Collings of the Telegraph ahead of Sunday's FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City.

"He is a big player and we live in a world where agents are linked to the press and can always have a tactic to make the whole package come up. But at the end of the day it all comes down to ‘do you want to be part of that? Do you meet your needs and what is important in your football life here or not?'

"What has changed compared to 20, 30 years ago, no matter where you sign today, you will make money.

"He looks like he is on an upward curve. He has had little problems always, but now he’s getting a little stability and more freedom to play."

Oxlade-Chamberlain, whose contract expires in 2018, has primarily served as a winger throughout his Arsenal career until Wenger successfully deployed him as a central midfielder where he's able to see more of the ball.

Although the experiment was short-lived, a role in the heart of Arsenal's midfield could suit Oxlade-Chamberlain in the future if German star Mesut Ozil opts to call time on his career in north London.