Liverpool Leave Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to Chelsea

Liverpool have been linked with Arsenal’s versatile Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain throughout the summer, and over the past week it had begun to appear as though he might become their main target to strengthen the wing and attacking midfield positions. Today, that’s no longer the case.

Instead, Liverpool are signalling they are no longer interested in pursuing the player, leaving Chelsea as the only serious suitor for Oxlade-Chamberlain, who until now had reportedly preferred Jürgen Klopp’s Reds to Antonio Conte’s Blues as a potential summer destination.

The reason for that change of heart appears to be a growing belief that they can get a deal done for Monaco attacking midfielder and winger Thomas Lemar, and player not on anyone’s radar as a Liverpool target even 24 hours ago who could now be signed within the day.

It will be up to Chelsea now to decide if they are willing to pay a price for Oxlade-Chamberlain that Arsenal will consider enough to justify selling him to a rival. With a new contract offer on the table, it’s also possible the player will now choose to remain at Arsenal.