OPINION
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain faces a huge weekend when Arsenal play Benfica on Saturday in the Emirates Cup.
Arsene Wenger’s side are continuing their pre-season games with another friendly and are working towards their Community Shield final against Chelsea on 6 August.
It is set to be a fascinating clash against Benfica for more than one reason, with the spotlight firmly on Oxlade-Chamberlain.
The future of the England international is currently up in the air, with Premier League rivals Chelsea reportedly keen on signing him.
The Blues are keen to strengthen their options at wing-back and the Arsenal ace is being considered as someone who can rival Victor Moses.
Oxlade-Chamberlain could also face serious completion for a starting position if he does stay with the Gunners and will want to prove his qualities after a poor performance in his last turnout.
The 23-year-old played in recent friendly loss against London rivals Chelsea and suffered a torrid time against Marcos Alonso in a 3-0 defeat.
He has been converted into a right wing-back in the past six months, but was unable to contend with the athleticism of Alonso.
Oxlade-Chamberlain has spent the majority of his career as a right winger and even enjoyed spells as a central midfielder, but may have found a new wide role to accommodate his hard working qualities.
Arsenal teammate Hector Bellerin is set to give him real competition if the pair stay at the Emirates Stadium and the Benfica match may be the chance for him to lay down a marker, plus give a clear intention of where his future lies.