Oxlade-Chamberlain eyes new Gunners deal

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is ready to sign a new contract with Arsenal.

“I am here to play for England this week,” Oxlade-Chamberlain said.

“That is the only thing I am concentrating on. But if Arsenal want to sit down and talk about that (contract), it is really good because I am loving my time there.

“I really enjoy playing for them and am planning on being there for a while.”

Oxlade-Chamberlain said England will not take opponents Moldova lightly as they kick off their World Cup 2014 qualification campaign.

Moldova are 137th in FIFA’s world rankings but Oxlade-Chamberlain has stressed the Three Lions are keen to avoid any complacency when they travel to face Ion Caras’ charges on Friday.

“We will approach the game in the same way whether we are playing Brazil or Moldova,” he told reporters.

“We will look to win the game and play it in the right way. I will have to wait and see how it’s going to go but it’s the international stage and it’s tough.”

The Arsenal youngster also admitted he was surprised at the opportunities handed to him by Roy Hodgson in Euro 2012 and is looking to push on and continue to improve for his country in the lead up to the Brazil-based tournament.

“I always want to play. I didn’t think I would be involved as much as I was at the Euros,” he added.

“It was great to learn from the likes of Steven Gerrard and it was a great experience for me.

“When you do start games, you want to keep on playing and if you didn’t, there would be something wrong.

“The manager gives a player like me the freedom to add flair to the game. He puts his trust in us and that’s really good as we can express ourselves.

“People possess different qualities and you have to adapt. I have to make sure I am ready if I get the chance.

“We must never rest on our laurels. I have to keep working hard at Arsenal otherwise I will not be back in these squads.”