PL rivals open talks with agent of Arsenal star ahead of potential transfer – report
By Danny Wright
Stoke have opened talks with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s agent, according to a report.
The Sun claims that the 23-year-old could be on his way out of Arsenal this summer in a deal said to be worth £25million.
It is understood that Oxlade-Chamberlain has one year left on his contract at the Emirates and has attracted attention from Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City.
However it appears to be Arsenal’s Premier League rivals Stoke who have struck first and have entered negotiation’s with the senior star’s representatives.
Oxlade-Chamberlain could be on Mark Hughes’ shortlist as a replacement to Marko Arnautovic, who has recently left for West Ham in what has been a club record deal for the Hammers.
The 27-times England international has struggled with injuries and form ever since moving to Arsenal from Southampton in 2011, but last season saw him put in a series of solid displays as he scored six goals and supplied 11 assists in 45 appearances across all competitions.
The winger has been a key part of Arsene Wenger’s squad in recent years, whether he has been used as an impact sub or put into the starting line-up.
Football Insider Verdict
Oxlade-Chamberlain would be a massive coup for a club like Stoke, who have plenty of money to play around with following Arnautovic’s switch to West Ham. £25million would be a more than fair amount to spend on a player who still has around a decade of football left to play and is a regular England international. It shows how much the Hammers overspent to land Arnautovic earlier this month when the Stoke can find a replacement who is not only better, but a much better investment for the future for the same price. Arsenal might have to go back into the market to replace Oxlade-Chamberlain if they do decide to sell.
In other Arsenal news, a La Liga club has tabled a bid for this Gunners star.
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