Liverpool are reportedly set to take full advantage of Arsenal’s current predicament, as they’ve been linked with a £25m swoop for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Frustratingly for Arsenal supporters, the England international is one of many key individuals with just 12 months remaining on their contract.
In turn, according to The Independent, he’s likely to be sold this summer with Liverpool touted as the most likely destination with Jurgen Klopp ready to move with a £25m bid.
With the Liverpool boss out to strengthen his squad ahead of his side’s return to the Champions League, Oxlade-Chamberlain would be an important addition. The 23-year-old is arguably coming off the back of his most impressive season to date, steering clear of injuries, playing regularly, showing great versatility and emerging as one of the top performers for the Gunners.
However, this is where it gets tricky for Arsenal in their bid to keep him and eight others according to the report. Amid new Premier League cost control measures, they have to limit how much their wage bill can increase next season.
Given that they have hopes of renewing deals for Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez, as well as signing some key new players, it opens up the door for Liverpool to convince them to sell Oxlade-Chamberlain and allow him to flourish and develop further under the watchful eye of Klopp.
The report claims nine in total could leave the Emirates this summer, and that is one serious clear out. That won’t matter at all to Liverpool though, as if they can snap up Oxlade-Chamberlain for £25m, which is likely to be significantly less than what he would be worth if he had a long-term contract in place, they they’ll be happy with their addition to go with Mohamed Salah who arrived on Merseyside this week.