New signing, old moaning

Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, just shy of 18 years old, on the invariable 'long term contract'. The club never release the size of transfer fees, but the glee on Southampton's website is umistakable.

'Club record transfer'. 'One of the biggest deals in Championship history'. Even if the selling club want to impress their fans, this is a major investment by Arsenal in one of England's most exciting teenage stars.

The negotiations have been off and on for six months, even if many fans today have expressed surprise that Arsenal could 'act so fast in the transfer market'. Just because the tabloids haven't kept tabs on every move and non-move, as with Cesc Fábregas and Samir Nasri, doesn't mean nothing's happened.

Viewed from the outside, it looks as the transfer fee and add-ons have been the only obstacles. When Southampton decide to sell now, it's easy to guess that Arsenal have finally gone high enough. At the same time, the financial situation at St. Mary's isn't the easiest in the Championship. Arsenal may well have got away with a better deal than was expected.

Other suitors, like Liverpool and Manchester United, have been mentioned. There may be an element of forced hand: like United in the hunt for Phil Jones, Arsenal may have acted now to avoid missing out.

The player and his father, former England winger Mark Chamberlain, have made the right noises about Arsenal all the way. Other suitors have been considered, of course, but Arsène Wenger's track record with young players still persuade many stars of tomorrow.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain goes straight into the first team squad, Arsenal.com confirms.

So that's the third senior signing of the summer. Arsenal fans, however, are still not satisfied. On Twitter, the storms are still raging.

'The Chamberlain deal is only acceptable if Cahill and Mata are unveiled later this week,' is the gist of one Arsenal blogger's message to the world. As if Arsenal have the prerogative to decide which deals go through first, if at all.

'Another teenage winger isn't needed. A centre back is,' is another much tweeted reaction. As if different transfer deals aren't negotiated at the same time.

'Paying millions for a teenager from League 1 is insane when Arsenal need older heads,' is a brief summary of other reactions. As if our manager's track record with seasoned internationals were as good as his fostering of new talents.

I've only one thing to say: moaners gonna moan. If Arsenal had let young Alex slip away, the very same fans would have thrown the same toys out of the same pram for that reason instead.