Our friends at Empire of the Kop have compiled a list of players they would like to see come to Liverpool as part of any exchange deal that might involve Raheem Sterling leaving the club.
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The England international has been heavily linked with a move away from Anfield, having refused to sign a new contract with the Merseysiders.
The forward’s agent confirmed that Sterling would not sign a new deal with the club during a remarkable tirade, in which he also lambasted both Liverpool and club legend Jamie Carragher.
Arsenal have been linked to the forward, and while they may not be able to part with the £50 million Liverpool would want for the player, they could lower their outlay by throwing some players into the mix.
Here are three Gunners that our comrades at EOTK would like to see move to Merseyside should Sterling leave the club this summer.
Theo Walcott
It is perhaps Theo Walcott’s name that has been linked most heavily with a move away from Arsenal should Raheem Sterling arrive from Liverpool.
The England international may well have his already peripheral role in the side—due in no small part to injury—reduced further by the arrival of Sterling.
The forward may well see a Gunners’ move for his England rival as a sign that he is not valued at the Emirates Stadium and seek pastures new.
Arsenal’s loss could be Liverpool’s gain.
Kieran Gibbs
With Alberto Moreno not having been an overwhelming success at Anfield this season, Kieran Gibbs would represent an upgrade and may pique the interest of Brendan Rodgers.
The England international might also be receptive to a move, having been pushed out of contention by Spain defender Nacho Monreal for the latter part of last season.
At 25, there is also an argument that can be made that the Lambeth-born defender still has his prime ahead of him, and Liverpool may be the ones to capitalise.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Like Theo Walcott, Oxlade-Chamberlain may have his already-precious minutes eaten away should Raheem Sterling move to Arsenal.
As it stands, the England midfielder has had his game time reduced by injury and with Arsenal linked with new midfield and offensive options this summer, he may struggle to hold onto his spot in the team.
While his versatility is surely an asset to the Gunners, it could also make him a handy bargaining chip for Arsene Wenger should he look to offload some peripheral figures and bring Sterling back to London.