Reds Eye Arsenal’s Oxlade-Chamberlain

According to The Telegraph, Arsenal’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has re-emerged as a possible transfer target for Liverpool. The 23-year-old attacking midfielder was linked to several English clubs including Liverpool last summer, but decided to stay at the Emirates.

The rumor seems to be the result of a confluence of several unrelated bits of information.

First, the English international is apparently unhappy with his playing time so far this season. Though with 23 appearances (11 as a substitute) so far for the London club, it’s hard to see him finding more playing time on Merseyside.

Second, Oxlade-Chamberlain’s contract is winding down, with only 18 months remaining. As such, it is speculated that he could be had for around £20-25 million.

Third, Adam Lallana and Jordan Henderson have reportedly been giving Jürgen Klopp rave reviews about Oxlade-Chamberlain from their time together with the England Men’s National Team.

All of this is to say that this move still seems unlikely, especially in the January window. Although he has yet to complete a full 90 minutes for Arsene Wenger’s side, he has still been an important and contributing squad player, with 6 goals and 6 assists in all competitions so far. The fact that Arsenal are in direct competition with Liverpool for a coveted Top 4 spot only makes such a transfer all the less likely.

Additionally, I can’t see him displacing any of Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino, or Sadio Mané when all are healthy and not at the African Cup of Nations, so it’s unlikely that his playing time would improve. Regardless, Oxlade-Chamberlain to Liverpool is a rumor that’s out there. So, there’s that.