The Times (£) are reporting that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has rejected what is described as a ‘take it or leave it’ offer from Arsenal.

The 23 year is into the final 12 months of his current deal and has turned down a significant wage increase because he is concerned about his playing time next season.

He has been something of a utility man for Arsene Wenger, playing as a wide-forward, an emergency central midfielder, a right wing-back and, in the FA Cup final, was deployed as a left-sided wing-back.

He wants to play regular football as a central midfield player, and it seems that the Arsenal manager is reluctant to give him that. The Gunners are in the market for a midfield player this summer too, which would further block his path there, and it seems the player and the club are at something of an impasse.

The report says that he is prepared to wait out the final 12 months of his contract, which would allow him to leave on a free transfer next summer. Whether this will force Arsenal’s hand one way or the other remains to be seen.

They have already rejected a £25m bid from Liverpool but if the Ox is steadfast in his refusal to sign the club may well be tempted to sell if they come back again.