Arsenal’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has emerged as a surprise transfer target for most top Premier League clubs this summer with all- Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City chasing him. The winger, who has mostly been a utility for Arsene Wenger last term, has finally had a breakthrough season with Gunners and has come to the fore with some sizzling displays.
Among all the suitors, Anfield has been the most talked about destination for the 23-year-old in the past few weeks and Liverpool’s increasing need for a proven midfielder makes him an all the more desired target for the Reds.
Losing Jordan Henderson midseason to a foot injury had thrown Klopp into huge crisis the last term as he had to mostly do with Emre Can and Georginio Wijnaldum for the second half of the season. While Adam Lallana was subjected to recurrent injuries, which really hindered his displays, Klopp couldn’t make the most of his best midfielder.
The weakening of their spine had led to huge slump to their title challenge and it resulted in them having a tight finish to squeeze into the top four right on the last day of the season. With more tournaments to play for next season, Klopp is looking to beef up his bench before he goes to the preseason. And Chamberlain has been one of his favoured targets.
Getting him from a direct rival would be a huge challenge for sure as Arsenal aren’t likely to strengthen their opponents by letting go of their starlet. Chamberlain was one of the rare talented youngster Arsenal managed to scoop from under the nose of Liverpool, who have been raiding the Saints for years now.
And the Portsmouth-born player has been one of Arsenal’s thrilling individuals in the past seven years. The North London club has invested in him well, time and money, and he has been of great influence to them too. His aggressive approach and agility from wide areas make him a dangerous player to have in the side.
Wenger has mostly seen him as an impact player for so long, who makes things happen from the bench. His instant impact in Arsenal’s draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford was the latest such example. He has played 45 times for Arsenal last term, scoring six goals and assisting 11 times, in all competitions.
However, with the player approaching the last season of his contract and no real intent shown from Arsenal in extending it, has led many to speculate his exit this summer itself. His eagerness to play in the midfield, where Wenger has rarely used him, could also be a big factor in his departure.
