One of Liverpool’s prime targets this summer has been Arsenal forward Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and the rise to prominence that he has achieved in the last two months only cements their belief in the player.
The 23-year-old has finally had a breakthrough season with the North London side after many promising displays in the past few seasons and he can take the club all the way in FA Cup, it seems
In a performance, which saw less of quality from Arsenal and more of heart and determination against a domineering Manchester City side, Chamberlain shone in the right-back position that he had been given just one week back.
Perhaps, that is what has garnered the immense interest in the player. He can play in almost every position and his aggression helps him execute his versatility impeccably.
Liverpool, on the other hand, have struggled hugely without the tireless Sadio Mane time and again. First, when he went to serve his country in the African Cup of Nations and then now when he is out of the season owing to a knee injury.
Jurgen Klopp doesn’t have a quality bench to fill up positions as and when needed, and it has come back to haunt the Reds whenever they looked composed and consistent.
A number of names have been rumoured to arrive as a backup for that role and Chamberlain remains one of the top options. However, what makes him all the more desirable is Liverpool’s possibility of not being able to get him anytime soon. Arsenal are wary of the traction their prized asset has gained and would do everything on their hands to prevent it from happening.
His contract with the club, like superstars Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil, expired in 2018. And the club has maintained their decision to retain their services successfully. Gunners are going through one of their worst seasons in a long time and the board has decided to postpone all contract talks until summer.
However, reports state that the club is willing to offer Chamberlain £100,000-a-week to keep him at Emirates. Chamberlain has been receiving in the region of £65,000-a-week at the moment and it will definitely be a big jump. And we believe that he will stay with the club, who have invested seven years in him through his terrible times when he missed half of the seasons with injuries.
Chamberlain didn’t start as a regular this season, playing second fiddle to Alex Iwobi. However, he is an integral part of Arsene Wenger’s five-man backline now.
