Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is reportedly open to leaving Arsenal in favour of Liverpool in the summer transfer window.
According to a report in the Daily Mail, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is weighing up his future with Arsenal amid interest from Liverpool. And the Englishman is considering making the switch to Anfield in the summer transfer window as he is excited by the idea of working with Jurgen Klopp.
Oxlade-Chamberlain arrived at Arsenal full of promise when he was signed from Southampton in 2011. However, nearly six years down the line his career does not seem to have progressed much at the Emirates; thanks – in large – to a spate of injuries as well as a constant shuffling of positions.
2016/17, though, has seen an upturn in Oxlade-Chamberlain’s form, and he has been one of the few bright sparks in an otherwise dismal campaign for Arsenal. The turn of the year has seen him become a regular in Arsene Wenger’s side, with managed 44 appearances in all competitions and a return of 6 goals and 11 assists to show for his efforts.
Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is keen on a move to Liverpool this summer. pic.twitter.com/wnEdGIZyuO
— Will (@dug_8) May 9, 2017
However, with just 12 months left on his current deal with Arsenal, the player’s future at the Emirates is mired in heavy uncertainty. With no clarity on his situation at the North London outfit, clubs are starting to circle around the England international.
The likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and Everton have previously expressed an interest in signing Oxlade-Chamberlain, but Liverpool reportedly seem to be leading the chasing pack that is vying for his signature.
Jurgen Klopp is believed to be an admirer of his talents, and with a need to bolster his squad ahead of the return to European football next season, Oxlade-Chamberlain has emerged as a top target for the Liverpool boss.
Oxlade-Chamberlain, with his versatility, can be a solution in both midfield and attack in Jurgen Klopp’s side, as he can vie with Georginio Wijnaldum for a place in the centre of the park, while also potentially being a replacement for Philippe Coutinho, who is heavily being linked with a move to Barcelona.
And at 23, he still has his best years ahead of him, which would make him an enticing long-term solution for the Liverpool boss.
And as per the report, the player, too, is pondering over a summer switch to Liverpool as he is attracted by the prospect of playing under Jurgen Klopp. He is of the opinion that working with the German tactician could set the tone for his career.
Additionally, with just over a year remaining for the FIFA World Cup, playing more regularly will enhance Oxlade-Chamberlain’s prospects of making Gareth Southgate’s England squad as well.
Arsenal, though, are eager to secure his future at the Emirates, and are set to offer him a new £100,000-a-week deal to tempt him into staying. However, with Oxlade-Chamberlain keen to work with Klopp next season, it is possible that he may have just played his last game for Arsenal.
The 23-year-old sustained a hamstring injury in Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Southampton on Wednesday, and the injury is likely to have brought about a premature end to his campaign. It now remains to be seen if the move sees the light of the day. As per the latest reports, though, Oxlade-Chamberlain is closer to securing a summer move to Liverpool.
