Premier League exclusive: Talks to bring Oxlade-Chamberlain back to Southampton 'have begun'

Southampton captain Jose Fonte has revealed that he HAS spoken to Arsenal and England prodigy Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain about a return to St. Mary’s

Fonte, speaking at a business launch on Wednesday night, lifted the lid on speculation that he was attempting to talk the academy graduate into a south coast return.

“Would I like to see Alex back at St. Mary’s? Yes, it’s a no-brainer,” Fonte said.

“Have I been talking to Alex and has it been mentioned? Yeah, of course.

“We talk with each other, we played together before and Chambo is one of the kids that I really am fond of and I like him a lot.”

Fonte and Oxlade-Chamberlain were part of the Southampton side that won promotion from League One under the management of Nigel Adkins in 2011.

Since departing St. Mary’s in the following summer for a fee in the region of £12m, the Arsenal winger has made 24 appearances for the England senior team, scoring five goals in the process.

However, first team opportunities have been limited at Arsenal this season, with speculation abound that the 22-year-old is considering his options.

The former Saints prodigy has started just nine games for Arsenal this term, with 16 of his competitive appearances this term coming as a second-half substitute.

Fonte can understand why Oxlade-Chamberlain may be reluctant to depart the Emirates Stadium, but hopes that Southampton’s continued success may persuade his former teammate to make a return.

“He’s a great kid and I wish him all the best. He’s at a great club but I just want the best for him.

“If the best is for him to stay at Arsenal and be successful there, then so be it.

“But if he decides that a move to Southampton would be good for his career, why not?

“If we are able to put together a team to fight for titles and to fight for trophies, why not?

“I think we’re a great club as well. We’ve been consistently in the last three seasons in the top eight.

“We’ve played European competitions and hopefully we can achieve it again this season, we’ve still got to fight for it.

“I can’t deny that I would love to see him back.”

Oxlade-Chamberlain’s hopes of appearing at Euro 2016 appear to be fizzling out, but Fonte remains certain that the winger’s ability will not be ignored for too much longer.

“He still has 10 or 12 years in his career. He’s great. He’s not just a great talent, he’s a great player already.

“He had to mature really quickly. He’s been unfortunate with a couple of injuries but he’s a strong lad and I’m sure he will bounce back.

“He’s a great player and any team is lucky to have him. He’s just a great, great talent.”

José Fonte was speaking at the launch of FootiEmoji, a social media app with tailored emojis for football supporters.

Fonte launched the business with Southampton teammate Ryan Bertrand and Chelsea captain John Terry on Wednesday evening.

For more information and to download the app, visit http://footiemoji.com.