According to reports in The Sun, Arsenal have opened talks with midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as they look to keep him at the club with an offer of wages worth more than £100,000-a-week.

What’s the word, then?

Well, The Sun says the 23-year-old was said to be considering leaving the Gunners this summer after finding himself in and out of the team last season, and he has so far failed to extend his contract that expires next summer.

That has seen the England international attract interest from Premier League rivals Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City according to Sky Sports.

However, The Sun reports Arsenal have now opened talks with Oxlade-Chamberlain about increasing his current £70,000-a-week deal, and the raise is set to take him above the £100,000-a-week mark.

How did Oxlade-Chamberlain do last season?

One of the 23-year-old’s main frustrations will be the fact that he is seemingly yet to find his best position in an Arsenal shirt, despite joining from Southampton six years ago.

The Three Lions star played in eight different positions in 45 appearances in all competitions for the north London outfit last term, scoring six goals and providing a further 11 assists.

Oxlade-Chamberlain was one of the players that took most advantage of Wenger changing to a 3-4-2-1 system as he excelled in a right wing-back role, and perhaps he has finally found his best position if does stay with the Gunners.

Will he sign a new deal?

Arsene Wenger may certainly have to convince him to do so and not make a fresh start elsewhere, but he may also have to guarantee him first team football with the 2018 World Cup is Russia less than a year away.

Oxlade-Chamberlain certainly won’t want to find himself in and out of the side again next season with England boss Gareth Southgate watching on, and it could be a key decision to his future.

If he doesn’t sign, will they sell him?

They probably would, yes.

With just a year remaining on his contract Arsenal would rather cash in on him this summer rather than losing him for nothing next year, and it is money that would allow Wenger to further strengthen his squad.

What’s the verdict, then?

Well, while Arsenal will want to tie Oxlade-Chamberlain down to a new deal the delay over discussions may suggest that the 23-year-old doesn’t feel the same way unless circumstances are to definitely change next season.