Of course in that sense we could. But I think if player really wants to leave, then just got shot and collect the money. Otherwise it just distracts people, bit like Fabregas at Arsenal.
To me the ideal and realistic scenario is as follows: Chambo stays another year, barring injury or a freak loss of confidence (which seems unlikely for a guy brimming with it) he will do well. He has pace, skill, good crossing ability and a great shot on him (both feet). He will do well in this league and he will attract attention from defenders allowing space for other players (Lallana, Lambo etc) who can do real damage with the time he could give them. He helps Saints achieve a respectable finish and then says goodbye with the respect of the fans I am sure he genuinely cares for and has returned 2 full seasons of 100% for the club who have raised him. We then allow him to leave knowing that every party has gained from the situation. Now this may be less likely for a 29 yr old desperate to reach the top but surely Chambo will understand that time is not an issue for him. If not he really has failed to learn from the mistakes of his peers.
OK, first of all he is under contract at Southampton - a contract he willingly signed. Secondly, does he think he will play Premier League football next season if he joins Arsenal? He may get to play in the Carling Cup. Finally, Cortese will not let him go for one penny less than what he feels he is worth and judging by the ridiculous amounts being paid currently for average players I'd say it is a figure greater than 10 million.
Number of points: 1. Speculative journalism. 2. School holidays have evidently commenced. 3. This discussion has been had before to the extent that chickens entrails have been sent to the witch doctor for prophesy. 4. So why are we bothering to discuss? PS - no replies necessary, as the question is rhetorical...
I must have missed something, because nowhere have I actually seen him say "I want to leave" (which is what the title of the thread is saying). I'm just reading that he thinks he's ready for the Premiership. So what?! If you went and asked Lallana or Fonte is they believed they were ready to play in the Premiership, I'm sure they'd say yes as well. Even if he does want to leave though, I'm sure Cortese will get us the best possible deal - and ultimately I'm sure that deal with benefit us more than holding onto Chamberlain, certainly in the short - medium term any way. (And I'll go on record now and say the complete opposite will apply to Chamberlain himself if he goes to Arsenal, Chelsea or City. By the time we're back in the Premiership, he'll either still be fighting for a 1st team place, or will be playing for Villa or Everton or Bolton with no realistic prospects of winning trophies and playing in the Champions League).
I hope he stays but we'll get paid good money if he leaves. Win win. I can't imagine he begged the club to let him go, its a fairly unimaginative rumour.
Who doesn't want to play in the Premier League? Nothing but quotes being taken out of context. Most likely his dad trying to drum up waning interest.
Maybe the Mirror hacked his phone, your allowed to do that, right? I'm with Waigo, not whacking one out, but waiting till its on the official site.
More likely his agent wants to become a millionaire in commissions probably has had a slow year. Find it strange that these kind of statements are coming out now. Must be slow time for news. About as slow as it is for us!!
THIS IS NOTHING NEW!! He had supposedly left in January for £10m!! Get over it! PAPERS PRINT SH!T BECAUSE IT SELLS!
Mirror Reporter: Hello Mr Lallana would you like to be playing in the Premiership? Adam: Yes of course it is every footballers dream I would love to be playing there. Headline: Adam Lallana wants Premiership football will Cortese stand in his way? The truth is Cortese is making it happen.
Rather cynical comment on the speculation from the Guardian. Not that far from the likely outcome of a move though and I personally reckon he'll stay until someone big can put him in their immediate plans. He's not obviously too good for us and he's not bigheaded as to believe that he is without proving it, so think he''ll knuckle down for the season. http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/jul/19/the-rumour-mill-chelsea-arturo-vidal Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has "pleaded with Southampton not to wreck his dream of sitting three rows behind the reserve goalie on some overstocked Premier League bench pocketing £55,000 a week for playing a few inconclusive Carling Cup games next season". Sorry. That should read "his dream of playing in the Premier League next season". Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City are all interested in paying £12m to essentially derail his promising career by stopping him playing any meaningful football in return for demotivating amounts of cash.
From the original Mirror link you can go to "10 things you didn't know about AOC" It shows various You Tube clips and one is of his interview during his under 21 exploits. He does mention playing in the prem but doesn't say this season ! I would put a link but as previous posts have proved....i'm incapable.
The Guardian piece demonstrates that papers don't necessarily talk a load of b*****ks. If only Alex could read it and see the truth of it.
Now we have the full 'exclusive' interview with Chamberlain. If and thats a big IF, that's what he said then it's clear he wants to join Arsenal and sit on the bench for a few seasons. http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/tra...o-Premier-League-EXCLUSIVE-article772763.html
