Manchester United are reportedly plotting a shock summer swoop for Arsenal star Alex Oxlade Chamberlain, who has struggled to establish himself as a regular at Emirates.
Daily Mirror have reported that Manchester United are ready to raid Arsenal in the summer, albeit for English star Alex Oxlade Chamberlain. The attacker has failed to establish himself as a regular at Emirates and has been linked with an exit, with Liverpool reported to be interested. And the Red Devils seems to have entered the race as well.
Manchester United’s interest in the Ox is not a new thing. The Red Devils were interested in the player and were one of the many suitors for the winger. But, it was Arsenal who beat them and others in the pursuit of the Ox, who ended up moving from Southampton to Arsenal in 2011.
But, the highly-rated winger has failed to establish himself as a firm regular under Arsene Wenger and despite being a more prominent name this season at Emirates, he has been linked with an exit from the club. Chamberlain has racked up 32 appearances in all competitions this season, with a return of 6 goals and 7 assists.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain himself admitted recently that he shall evaluate his options at the end of the season and that he is prepared to move in order to secure a better opportunity at regular first-team football. Although, a part of the reason for his low number of appearances can be chalked down to the host of injuries he has had since joining Arsenal.
But, just like Jack Wilshere, the Ox may just be in need of a fresh start somewhere else in order to prove his fitness and talent.
Liverpool were linked with the player before the start of the January transfer window but the rumours have since taken a backseat. Manchester United, on the other hand, are also short of options in the wide areas, especially after the departure of Memphis Depay.
United were linked with Goncalo Guedes, who ended up choosing PSG, which have further dented their plan to add to the wide areas. The Red Devils would love to get the 23-year-old, especially since they were so interested in the player from his time at Southampton.
At 23, Chamberlain is far from the finished product and still has his whole career left in front of him. The player can still fulfil his touted potential provided he is given regular game time. His contract is also up for expiry soon in 2018.
And United, in the Ox, would get a player who is already well-versed with the rigours of English football. The Ox has always been a devout appreciator of the fans which would slot in well with the United faithfuls as well, while Mourinho likes passion in a player, something which the Englishman has shown to possess in bulk.
The Red Devils are ready to shelve out a hefty £30 million in order to bring the Ox over to Old Trafford, which would mark a significant premium for Arsenal on the amount they paid to Southampton in the first place. If all goes according to plan, Chamberlain might just be donning the Red jersey in the new season.
