Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain holding off signing new contract at Arsenal to give Chelsea and Liverpool hope of signing him.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain of Arsenal in action during the Premier League match against Leicester City.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is holding off signing a new contract at Arsenal, reports the Telegraph, giving hope to interested parties Chelsea and Liverpool.
Oxlade-Chamberlain has now entered the final year of his current deal at the Emirates Stadium, but has been offered a new contract that would see him earn in excess of £100,000-a-week should he stay with the Gunners.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain of Arsenal runs with the ball during the Premier League match against Stoke City.
However, knowing about the interest from other teams in the Premier League, the 24-year-old is in no rush to put pen to paper until he has weighed up his options.
Oxlade-Chamberlain was considering his future in North London having grown frustrated with a lack of game time. Although that has changed so far this season, the England international has been used as a wing-back and still wants to be given a chance in his preferred central midfield role.
Arsene Wenger, the Arsenal manager, looks dejected after their defeat to Stoke City.
Arsene Wenger has made it clear that the players in the last year of their contract – which also includes Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and Jack Wilshere – will not be sold, but it is thought a significant bid could soften that stance.
The Reds are still searching for new signings in midfield should Philippe Coutinho leave for Barcelona – with the Daily Mail claiming a fourth £138m bid is forthcoming – while the Blues are in the market for support in the middle following the sale of Nemanja Matic to Manchester United.
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