Liverpool have no intention to offload Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain this summer amid interest from Aston Villa.
According to a report from Liverpool Echo, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain may end up remaining at Anfield this summer following a shift in stance from Liverpool. The midfielder was facing an uncertain future at Anfield with many clubs interested in acquiring his services, but it appears that the Reds are now keen on keeping hold of him until 2023.
With his current contract expiring at the end of next season, Oxlade-Chamberlain was one of the players expected to depart Anfield this summer. Liverpool were even tipped to sell the player for a fee of around £10 million.
Aston Villa were one of the clubs linked with a move for the former Arsenal starlet, who has struggled to impose himself at Anfield following his move in 2017. During his five years at the club, he has racked up 132 competitive appearances, but only a fraction of them have been starts.
Oxlade-Chamberlain has indeed fallen behind the likes of Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Thiago and even Naby Keita in the pecking order, with Jurgen Klopp only considering him as a backup option in the midst of any injury crisis.
In light of his struggles at Anfield, Liverpool were touted to be ready to offload Oxlade-Chamberlain this summer, after the midfielder racked up only nine starts in the Premier League this past season. But the Reds have made a U-turn on their stance after facing disappointment in the pursuit of Jude Bellingham.
The Borussia Dortmund midfielder was regarded as the club’s top midfield target in the summer transfer window. However, the young Englishman is unlikely to leave Dortmund this summer and has already pledged his future at the club, which has served as a major blow for Liverpool.
However, instead of looking out for other alternatives in the market, Liverpool are ready to wait until 2023 before making a move for Bellingham. At the same time, they are looking to keep hold of Oxlade-Chamberlain, just so the 28-year-old can offer backup in the midfield areas, and become an option in the face of an emergency.