Switch Up For "The Ox" - Arsenal Man Trains In Mercurial Vapor IX - Boot Spy

As one of Nike's biggest up and coming players, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was never going to get away with switching boot silo's without us noticing! The England international was spotted today at Arsenal's training ground wearing a pair of Mercurial Vapor IX boots.

Since joining the London club, Oxlade-Chamberlain has become an Arsenal fan favourite and a recognised CTR360 player. He burst onto the scene at Arsenal, but has struggled to find the reach the same level this season, which could be a possible reason for the switch. It's common for players to experiment with different boots when they're out of form.

Chamberlain enjoyed a brief period in the adidas f50 during his time at Southampton, before being signed by Nike. If Oxlade-Chamberlain keeps his feet in the Vapor camp, he'll be joining Arsenal duo Theo Walcott and Gervinho as the club's leading Mercurial athletes. The youngster has operated primarily as a winger during his time under Arsene Wenger - another factor which could have prompted the switch.

Elsewhere at Arsenal's London Colney training ground, England full-back Kieran Gibbs was spotted training in a mysterious pair of black-out boots. Long-term Nike athlete Gibbs has been wearing the Tiempo Legend IV in recent seasons, sparking speculation that he could be testing the upcoming Tiempo Legend V.

Let us know what you think of the Ox's boot switch and Kieran Gibbs mystery black-outs! Join in the conversation online, on Twitter and on Facebook.