Arsenal are reportedly weighing up the idea of re-signing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain from Liverpool in January to solve their midfield issues.
According to an exclusive from The Sun, Arsenal are considering re-signing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in January. The midfielder seems unhappy at Liverpool due to a lack of playing time, while the Gunners ponder how to solve their problems in the central areas.
Oxlade-Chamberlain first joined Arsenal as a 17-year-old from Southampton in a £15 million deal. Having deployed as a winger for most parts, the England international craved to play in his favoured midfield position and ultimately joined Liverpool at the beginning of Arsene Wenger’s last season at the club.
The Gunners might have made a handsome profit through the player’s sale to Merseyside, and Oxlade-Chamberlain started showing his brilliant form when played through the middle. However, injuries took charge of his time, specifically a knee problem he picked up last season, which kept him out for four months.
Since his return from that issue, Oxlade-Chamberlain has managed to start only four games and is feeling uncertain about his long-term future at Anfield. Moreover, Liverpool youngsters Harvey Elliot and Curtis Jones have overtaken him in the pecking order, as Jurgen Klopp now only relies on the midfielder for cup ties.
At 28, Oxlade-Chamberlain still believes in having a great future at the highest level and might angle for a move away from the club to revive his career. He also harbours ambitions of returning into Gareth Southgate’s England setup, having already amassed 35-caps for the national side.
The exclusive report from the Sun states that Arsenal could be pondering re-signing Oxlade-Chamberlain in the January window to solve their problems in midfield. It states the player has good relationships with Gunners manager Mikel Arteta, after both joined the club in 2011, winning the FA Cup twice in 2013 and 2015.
Arsenal’s main central midfielder, Granit Xhaka, suffered a knee injury that kept him out for three months. In January, Mohamed Elneny and Thomas Partey will be playing in the AFCON, missing a month of Premier League action.
During that period, Arteta will have to rely on Albert Sambi Lokonga, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and a half-fit Xhaka to get them through. Arsenal believes Oxlade-Chamberlain’s arrival could provide them with sufficient cover. They have reportedly asked Liverpool for a six-month loan move with the option of permanently signing him in the summer.
Liverpool may not stand in the way if Oxlade-Chamberlain wants to move. With his contract expiring in 2023, the Merseysiders might look to recoup some transfer fees off him. Other sides are also interested, with Newcastle’s new ownership also pondering reigninting their summer interest in the midfielder.
The move may sound sensible, but Arsenal fans will be hoping this is just another rumour given his dreaded record with injuries. The Gunners have exciting talents such as Charlie Patino and Miguel Azeez coming through the Hale End academy and might want Arteta to give them an opportunity instead.
Oxlade-Chamberlain could still prove useful in any Premier League side, and the same goes for Arsenal. A move will depend on the Gunners’ substantial interest and what Liverpool might demand for the midfielder.
