Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Arsenal’s 22-year-old winger has been linked with a transfer to Liverpool. The English winger has seen his career stall because of injuries and it is believed that Arsenal will consider selling him this summer. The Reds are in battle with Leicester for signing Oxlade-Chamberlain. Liverpool are reportedly interested in the 22-year-old as they look to strengthen their squad for the next season, whereas Leicester want some Champions League experience to help them in their first European campaign.
Oxlade-Chamberlain shot to fame during the 2011-12 season while playing for Southampton, scoring 9 goals in 36 appearances. He was signed by Arsenal and had a promising start to his Arsenal career. He scored 2 goals in 3 games and set the bar high for himself. But injuries plagued his development at the Gunners and has so far managed only 7 goals in 100 appearances for the club.
Liverpool have the likes of Adam Lallana and Roberto Firmino who play at the sides of their 3-man attacking midfield. Lallana has seen an upturn in form since Jurgen Klopp took over and Frimino’s first season has been pretty good.
Oxlade Chamberlain is good at dribbling but Liverpool have players who are better dribblers than him. He also likes to cut inside but Coutinho and Lallana have been doing that well throughout the season. Liverpool’s style of play includes high pressing which requires high fitness levels and Oxlade-Chamberlain’s history suggests that he requires improvement in his fitness. Injuries have hindered the midfielder from making it to Arsenal’s starting eleven on a regular basis.
Oxlade-Chamberlain’s style of play is different to what Liverpool require. Also, Liverpool have players who can efficiently play at the flanks reducing the chances of Liverpool signing a winger. Oxlade-Chamberlain will not get proper game time at Liverpool which is not good for him as a player. Chamberlain has many injury issues and Liverpool will not want to see another Sturridge type player, who misses more matches than he plays. Liverpool do not need Oxlade-Chamberlain and they should not go after him.