Arsenal will reportedly demand an unusual sum of £40 million plus £1 from Liverpool for the services of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
According to a report by The Sun, Arsenal are set to demand £40 million plus £1 from Liverpool for want-away star Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Liverpool have been leading the race to sign the midfielder, who is yet to ink a new deal with the Gunners so far.
The Merseyside club infamously turned down the same bid of £40 million plus £1 from Arsenal, for Luis Suarez back in 2013. Clearly, that is something Arsenal have not forgotten, as they look to push Liverpool’s buttons. The Reds have been linked with the Ox for months now, despite Arsene Wenger insisting that he is not for sale.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain joined Arsenal from Southampton as a promising youngster, full of untapped potential. He had quite a huge billing to live up to, but unfortunately, the 23-year-old failed to fulfill those expectations for a good amount of time. Last season, however, he showed glimpses of what he is truly capable of.
Consistent performances helped him retain a regular role for the Gunners last season, making 45 appearances for his side, while also chipping in with six goals and 11 assists. In fact, Wenger truly tested his versatility by deploying him in various positions, which did end up working in his favour.
In fact, he was phenomenal as a wing-back and adapted to that position in the best way as it was evident to see. Growing frustration among the fans led to Arsene Wenger making an unusual change in his formation as he employed a three-man back line, and that system greatly benefited the former Southampton player.
As was evident from their early performances in the new season, Jurgen Klopp is in dire need of a player who can be equally proficient at playing in the central midfield as well as on the wings. With Philippe Coutinho believed to be seeking an exit, Chamberlain can prove to be a superb addition.
Moreover, the Englishman is only 23 years old, which means that he can be signed as a long-term addition to the squad. Ox has improved leaps and bounds over the last season in terms of his performances, and with the player seemingly intent on leaving Arsenal, it only seems fitting for him to consider moving to a different club to test out his opportunities.
