Liverpool swoop on £25m-rated PL star – report
By Abigail Withey
Liverpool have made their first move for Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, according to a report.
The Daily Mirror has revealed that the Reds have made the first steps by making a direct enquiry for the £25m-rated Arsenal star.
It is said that Arsenal have shrugged off the attention, but it is claimed that they might have to resign themselves to losing the player this summer.
Oxlade-Chamberlain is set to enter the last 12 months of his contract with the Gunners and it is thought that despite opening talks about a contract extension with the club, boss Arsene Wenger could still face losing the Englishman.
The 23-year-old joined Arsenal from Southampton in 2011, and has shown versatility and adaptability throughout the years.
The midfielder is more traditionally known to play down the right wing, but has regularly stated that he wants the opportunity to play in the centre instead.
Oxlade-Chamberlain made just 16 starts during the Premier League last season, but made a total of 45 appearances throughout all competitions for the club where he provided six goals and 11 assists.
Football Insider Verdict:
Making a move on Oxlade-Chamberlain is a wise step on Klopp’s behalf. The 23-year-old has displayed incredible talent and pace when featured in Wenger’s squad and the midfielder is also a regular international too. The Anfield boss looks to be pouncing at the the right time as frustrations over playing time and lack of starts are beginning to bother the player. Oxlade-Chamberlain started just 16 games during the 2016/17 season and Klopp could use more playing time as bait to attract him to the Merseyside club. With just a year remaining on his contract, the Anfield manager will be able to negotiate a cheaper deal with Wenger as the Frenchman has the option to sell up now and get around £30 million or wait until next summer when Chamberlain is released for free. Klopp will want to strengthen his squad ahead of the club’s Champions League campaign, and enticing the young star with the promise of playing time in the competition could do just that.
In other Liverpool transfer news, Klopp states one player will leave after he has assessed this trio.
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