Arsenal had one of their most disappointing seasons this time around, which saw them finish outside the top four for the first time since 1998. The Gunners have, however, managed to revive their season to some extent, right at the end the term, by winning the FA Cup for the thirteenth time in their history.
With the big boost of their legendary manager Arsene Wenger staying back with the North London club for two more years, the Gunners are now looking to make their key players stay back as well, by handing them new contracts. One such player is the versatile midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who has been one of the biggest assets throughout the season for Arsenal.
The talented youngster has been linked with a move to the Merseyside club Liverpool in the summer. However, with repeated efforts from their coach Wenger, the English international has reportedly agreed to sign a new deal with the North London club in the summer, with a potential £100000-a-week wage in the new season.
As per sources, there has been much interest shown by Liverpool to bag the talented midfielder to strengthen their squad for the next season. Jurgen Klopp, the man in charge at Anfield, has been much appeased with the performances of the Arsenal winger and has been considering the Englishman for his team in the new season.
However, it seems that the deal has to be taken off the table now, owing to the fact that he might not be available in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The Gunners midfielder has been used in a number of positions throughout the recently concluded season. He has been playing as a right winger, which is his natural position but has at times been shifted to a central midfielder position to orchestrate the play in the middle. He has also been used as a right wing back on occasions to initiate attacks down the flank as well as hold the fort for his team.
His versatile role as a midfielder and wing back has suited the England international, who is, however, a more free-flowing player on the right-hand side of the midfield.
Chamberlain, who is popularly known as “Ox” for his stubborn and stout physique, which he uses to full effect while vying with the opponent players darting down the right flank into the attacking third, is an ideal player to be used as a right winger, as apart from delivering key passes, he can also score goals for his team. He is decent as a wingback but Wenger needs to find a genuine player for that position and use the ‘Ox’ in a more attacking role to get the best out of him.
