Southampton manager Nigel Adkins knows nothing of Arsenal 'deal' to sign Alex Chamberlain

Nigel Adkins at Prenton Park this afternoon
Nigel Adkins at Prenton Park this afternoon
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Nigel Adkins says he knows nothing of reports that Alex Chamberlain has agreed to join Arsenal.

Reports today stated that the 17-year-old winger had told the Gunners he would join them and all that was left to be sorted was the deal with Saints.

However, after the 2-0 defeat at Tranmere in which Chamberlain played, Adkins insisted he was not aware of any such deal being struck.

He said: “It’s news to me.

“It’s speculation – does that effect how we performed today because there has been intense speculation?

“There is transfer rumour mongering that goes on.

“Alex Chamberlain has played for us today, it’s as simple as that.”

Adkins also confirmed that Jason Puncheon was in the squad to travel to Tranmere before the manager took the decision to leave him out because he was not in the right mental state to play.

• The full interview is in The Pink

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