ARSENE Wenger has insisted Arsenal are not close to signing Alex Chamberlain, despite reports yesterday that claimed the Gunners were closing in on a deal for the teenage star.

Arsenal are the latest side to supposedly have jumped to the head of the queue to snap up Saints’ 17-year-old wing sensation, who is also being tracked by Manchester United and Liverpool, among others.

Sources confirmed to the Daily Echo that the London giants have had Chamberlain watched regularly over the last few weeks.

And there is a strong possibility that they could table a bid for the youngster at some point during the January transfer window.

When quizzed about Chamberlain, Wenger did not deny that Arsenal were interested in signing the player.

However, he dismissed yesterday's reports, and was adamant that a deal was not imminent.

"I cannot speak about that," said the Gunners boss. "If we go any further with any player, we will inform you.

"The rest will be speculation - one day this player goes to Chelsea, one day to Man United, one day to Liverpool and one day to Arsenal.

"We are not close to signing anybody at the moment."

For full story, see today's Daily Echo.