Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City are all interested in Arsenal’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – but what would be his best move?
Arsenal’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain celebrates after Laurent Koscielny scores their first goal
According to reports from the Mirror, Chelsea have now joined Liverpool and Manchester City in the race to sign Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
The England international is about to enter the final year of his current contract with the Gunners and although the club are keen to keep him, no formal offer has been made and the 23-year-old could still potentially leave this summer.
So of the three sides reportedly interested which is the best fit?
Chelsea
Apparently Antonio Conte wants to add more depth to his squad as the Blues return to the Champions League and look to defend their Premier League title in 2017/18, among other things.
Oxlade-Chamberlain would certainly bring that, along with the versatility to play in central midfield or out wide and, perhaps more pleasingly for a manager who favours a 3-4-3 formation, has also impressed at wing-back.
Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp
Liverpool
The Englishman views central midfield as his best position and in Juergen Klopp’s 4-3-3 system there is plenty of scope for him to flourish there – although the presence of Philippe Coutinho, Jordan Henderson, Adam Lallana and Georginio Wijnaldum makes for fierce competition.
Klopp also likes his players to be robust and bursting with stamina and while there is no doubting Oxlade-Chamberlain’s impressive physique, the fact he is injury prone may be a concern for the German.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola
Manchester City
Third place in the English top flight and no trophies made for a disappointing debut campaign for Pep Guardiola in 2016/17 and the squad has already undergone some serious reshaping.
There are a number of aging midfielders at City and with Guardiola favouring technically astute players, perhaps Oxlade-Chamberlain could be the right fit for the Spaniard – not to mention the bonus of his homegrown status.
Arsenal’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain after the match
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