Should Liverpool Land Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain This Summer?
It has been more than 18 months since German tactician Jurgen Klopp took over as Liverpool boss and there has been some significant changes at the club. However, Klopp is still searching for additions to his squad and has been constantly linked with a summer move for Arsenal’s versatile midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
The Reds are looking to improve almost every position in the squad and according to the Liverpool Echo, Liverpool are considering smashing their transfer record this summer for the Arsenal star. The Ox has become an important first team player for Arsenal but is yet to sign a new contract with the club.
One of the few standout players in what was a dismal domestic campaign for the Gunners, Oxlade-Chamberlain was at his best when he was used as a part of the midfield duo and as a right wing-back. However, the fact that he has thrived in both positions shows that he is capable of helping Liverpool in more than one position.
Currently one of the most versatile players in England, Ox registered 6 goals and 11 assists to his name in 45 appearances in all competitions last season, 16 of which came as a substitute. Though he is a crucial part of the plans for Arsene Wenger, he is yet to commit his future to the club and this might be the right chance to lure him away from the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal are still ready to offer him a new deal but reports suggest that Klopp is considering splashing £40million for his services this summer. That is actually not too bad a deal for a 23-year old English star in the current inflated market.
The fact that the ‘Ox’ solves more than one problem for Liverpool should get Klopp interested. His pace and strength are built for the English game and his experience at the highest level is also bound to help Liverpool. Klopp is looking to build a squad that can dominate England for the years to come and he will definitely need a dynamic player like Chamberlain in the ranks if they are to compete with the best next season.
His fee might be the factor that is holding Liverpool back. But if Klopp wants Liverpool to take the next step, he will have to splash the cash, not just on Oxlade-Chamberlain, but on all his transfer targets, as his Liverpool side genuinely lack the quality to come anywhere close to winning the league title.