Arsenal are pursuing Thomas Lemar.
Arsenal star Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain faces a further obstacle in his bid to nail down a starting spot with the Gunners.
Goal report Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Thomas Lemar from Monaco.
England’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
It is in Oxlade-Chamberlain’s favour that his versatility means he will not be shut out by Lemar’s potential arrival, but the presence of the Frenchman would complicate his chances.
Oxlade-Chamberlain can play on either wing, but if Lemar plays on the left then Alexis Sanchez could be pushed out the right, both supporting a centre-forward – Olivier Giroud, Danny Welbeck, or potentially Alexandre Lacazette.
At the end of last season Oxlade-Chamberlain played in a wing-back role, but he has his work cut out to nail this down regularly ahead of Spanish talent Hector Bellerin, while it is unclear if Arsene Wenger plans to persist with the formation which was introduced as a stop gap due to defensive injuries.
Arsenal’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain celebrates
Oxlade-Chamberlain’s battle for first team football will be of interest to Liverpool, who are keen admirers of the England international.
The Mirror report the Reds are determined to sign the midfielder, and Oxlade-Chamberlain’s decision on his future could be impacted by what he feels is best for his World Cup chances next summer.
Arsenal moving to sign Lemar would complicate his battle to earn a spot at Arsenal, and could yet lead to success in the transfer market for Liverpool.
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