Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has said that youngster Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain reminds him of Wayne Rooney.

The Frenchman claims that the 18-year-old winger shows similar traits to Manchester United forward Rooney.

The former Southampton player has impressed so far in his time at the Emirates, scoring in both of his first two starts for the Gunners in the Champions League and the Carling Cup. The England Under-21s international also shone in the 2-1 defeat to Manchester United last Sunday, setting up Robin van Persie for his goal.

"He looks to have [the same fearlessness as Rooney]," Wenger told Arsenal's official site.

"He can play centrally as well but he has grown up as a winger,

"And now I think as well he can play central midfield because he can produce a long pass, he can dribble. At that age, you know, you start first on the wing."

Arsenal paid Southampton an initial £12m for Oxlade-Chamberlain this summer.