Liverpool and Manchester United are reportedly set for a two-club transfer battle over Arsenal star Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain after West Ham United dropped out.
The 22-year-old has failed to deliver again this season as he ultimately continues to fall short of expectations following his move to the Emirates from Southampton in 2011.
Albeit still a risk given his age, the Gunners have seemingly decided that they are open to offers with United and Liverpool now emerging as the only realistic options, according to The Mirror.
West Ham had reportedly been involved in the race, but the Hammers have decided to focus their attention elsewhere with Marseille striker Michy Batshuayi emerging as their top target as they continue to make ambitious plans for the future.
Out-of-favour Liverpool striker Christian Benteke is also believed to be on their radar this summer, with a decision taken by the club’s hierarchy that funds will be made available to Slaven Bilic to go out and land a top-level striker.
It comes despite the fact that previous reports had suggested that Arsenal had offered Oxlade-Chamberlain to West Ham, as Arsene Wenger plots an overhaul of his squad this summer after coming under increasing criticism after a failed season this year.
As for West Ham, they remain in the hunt to qualify for the Champions League next season, and evidently based on their new targets, they are aiming high in an attempt to continue their momentum and build on their recent success.
Question marks will continue to be placed over Oxlade-Chamberlain until he is able to consistently deliver, and a fresh start elsewhere could be what he needs as he simply hasn’t stepped up at Arsenal through a combination of form, fitness and competition for places.
Whether or not either United or Liverpool would be the ideal club for him remains to be seen, but the latter would seem like a fascinating option as part of Jurgen Klopp’s continued efforts to turn his side into Premier League title contenders next season.