• Premier League

Wenger not expecting to sign Oxlade-Chamberlain

ESPN staff
January 26, 2011
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is one of the most sought after youngsters during the January transfer window © PA Photos
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Arsenal's attempt to sign Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain from Southampton looks to have collapsed after Arsene Wenger hinted the club's January dealings are over.

A deal appeared imminent when the player's father hailed Arsenal as the "ideal choice" for a move, but now it seems that Oxlade-Chamberlain will not follow in Theo Walcott's footsteps by switching between the clubs.

Wenger's revelation also appears to herald the end of his search for a defender to ease the injury crisis, with Laurent Koscielny and Johan Djourou currently the only fit centre-backs at the club.

Although Sebastien Squillaci is close to a return to fitness and expected to play in Sunday's FA Cup tie with Huddersfield, Arsenal suffered a further setback when Bacary Sagna was forced out of their Carling Cup semi-final win over Ipswich due to a concussion.

Nonetheless, Wenger appears happy with his defensive options ahead of a punishing run-in that sees the Gunners still fighting on four fronts.

"Sagna had a concussion. He has to go to hospital, he was sick after the game," Wenger said. "He has pain at his nose but the most worrying is the concussion of his head. Hopefully we can get good news tomorrow.

"Transfer-wise there is no news and I would be surprised if there is any."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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