Arsenal yet to begin contract talks with key trio

Arsenal are reportedly yet to start contract negotiations with defender Kieran Gibbs, midfielder Jack Wilshere or winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, according to the Evening Standard.

The Premier League side, who currently sit fourth in the English top-flight standings after thrashing Swansea City 4-0 last weekend, have failed to open talks about a new deal for the trio – despite them all entering the final 18 months of their current contracts.

Left-back Gibbs, 27, has provided three assists in 13 appearances in all competitions for The Gunners so far this season.

Wilshere, 25, is currently on a season-long loan at AFC Bournemouth, having provided one assist in 18 league games for The Cherries.

Meanwhile Oxlade-Chamberlain, 23, has scored six goals and provided six assists in 27 appearances in all competitions under Arsene Wenger this campaign.

The club is known for prioritising re-signing players, rather than searching for new additions for the January transfer window.

Fellow team-mates Francis Coquelin, Olivier Giroud and Laurent Koscielny have all already agreed contract extensions at the Emirates Stadium, meanwhile boss Wenger confirmed captain Per Mertesacker has also put pen to paper on a one-year extension this morning.