Saints’ Oxlade-Chamberlain the next to be targeted by Arsenal

Southampton’s chances of winning League One could be substantially dented in the January transfer window should they sell their latest young prospect Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

The 17-year-old has been hugely impressive for the Saints this season, starting ten of their 18 League One games, while stepping off the bench in another five.

His form has helped Southampton climb the table into eighth spot following a disappointing start and they now have just eight points to make up on Brighton.

Southampton’s betting odds are now 11/4 to win League One, but this could drift if they fail to hang on to Oxlade-Chamberlain for the duration of the season.

Theo Walcott and Gareth Bale are prior examples of talents to break through at Southampton and it is Walcott’s buyers Arsenal who are sniffing around St Mary’s again.

There is also Premier League interest from Fulham, but Saints manager Nigel Adkins has revealed that he is not expecting to offload any of his first-team squad in the New Year transfer window.

He told the Sun: “I’d like to think several more clubs will be interested in our group, because that will mean we’re doing well and the players are doing well as individuals.

“But we’re not looking to move players on. We’re looking to strengthen because we want to move on to the next level.”

However, Oxlade-Chamberlain’s chief concern is liable to be ensuring that Southampton win their next League One game at home to Brentford.

The Saints are 8/13 to beat Brentford and a win could result in them rising as high as third in the standings if other results finish in their favour.

But a draw could prove the most likely outcome as three of the last four meetings have ended all square, while both encounters in League One between the pair last season ended 1-1.

A £10 bet on another 1-1 outcome could lead to a payout of £55. New Ladbrokes customers can sign up here for a free £10 bet.