Liverpool are reportedly set to step up their pursuit of signing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain from Arsenal in the summer.
According to a report in the Daily Mirror, Liverpool are ready to step up their pursuit of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, refusing to be put off by the £35 millon valuation that Arsenal have placed on the English midfielder.
Oxlade-Chamberlain’s career has failed to take off whatsoever ever since moving to Arsenal in 2011. Joining the North London club as a prodigious 17-year-old, the Englishman was touted for big things but limited opportunities and constant shuffling of positions have meant that there has been little development in his career.
2016/17 has been a season of crisis for Arsenal, with midfield lynchpin Santi Cazorla’s absence coupled with a horrific collective form since the turn of the year meaning that things have completely unravelled for the Gunners.
And while Oxlade-Chamberlain has been one of the better performers for the side, he still hasn’t become a regular fixture in the first-team picture, managing just 12 starts in the Premier League.
Oxlade-Chamberlain will have just 12 months remaining in his contract with Arsenal, and with his career seeming to be heading nowhere at the Emirates, it is looking likely that the 23-year-old will move on from North London in the summer instead of signing a renewal.
If he does take that decision when the transfer window opens in June, there will be no shortage of suitors who have been circling around the player in recent weeks. In fact, the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and Everton have all reportedly been keeping an eye on him.
But, Liverpool seem to be the favourites to land Oxlade-Chamberlain in the summer, with Jurgen Klopp believed to be a huge admirer of his talents. The Liverpool boss was criticised for his inactivity during the winter transfer window. But, he is ready to spring into action come June, with the England international one of his top targets.
The shortage of depth in the Liverpool squad is well documented, with little to choose beyond the six midfield and attacking players that Klopp favours the most. As a result, there have been growing calls to add quality options in both departments, and Oxlade-Chamberlain fits the bill perfectly.
The 23-year-old started his career as a promising winger, and that is the position that he has played in the most, but he has also done well when deployed as a central midfielder this season, with his driving runs from the centre of the park often proving to be menacing.
Thus, his versatility could make him a real asset for Liverpool, and the Reds are unlikely to be bothered by the £35 million valuation that Arsenal have placed on him. It now remains to be seen how things develop in the coming months but a summer switch to Anfield is looming large.
