According to the Mirror, West Ham are now considering a £10m bid for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, after struggling to sign Jesse Lingard.
What’s the story?
Well, the Hammers have been chasing Lingard for most of the summer, although the Guardian believe he is now likely to join Nottingham Forest after they expressed a willingness to meet his wage demands.
Some at the London Stadium aren’t even sure that Lingard wants to re-join them, according to the same report.
As a result, it seems West Ham have turned their attention to Oxlade-Chamberlain.
The Mirror believe the east Londoners are ready to offer Liverpool £10m for the £125,000-a-week man, who the Reds paid £35m for when signing him from Arsenal back in 2017.
Unfortunately, the England international only made nine Premier League starts last season due to injuries, as well as the fierce competition for places under Jürgen Klopp.
In our view, Liverpool could be tempted to sell their No.15 this summer if a suitable offer arrives, as Oxlade-Chamberlain is now in the final 12 months of his contract at Anfield.
Therefore, if he isn’t sold this summer, Liverpool will lose him for nothing in 2023 unless they tie him down to fresh terms.
West Ham should be wary of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
In our view, Oxlade-Chamberlain would be an risky signing for David Moyes to make.
As aforesaid, the midfielder has struggled with injuries, which were evident once again last Friday as he was forced off during the 2-0 win over Crystal Palace in Singapore.
It remains to be seen how bad that specific setback was, although if the Hammers decide to part with £10m and take on Oxlade-Chamberlain’s £125,000-a-week wages, Moyes will surely want assurances over his fitness.
Sadly, we don’t believe any assurance can be given. The 28-year-old has missed a total of 125 games throughout his career due to injuries, and is showing little sign of putting them behind him.
Therefore, West Ham should think carefully before bringing him to the London Stadium.
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