The uncertainty surrounding Arsene Wenger’s future and the general feeling of gloom around Arsenal has led to suggestions that there could be a player exodus this summer.
After Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is the latest player to be linked with a summer move away from Arsenal.
If he does choose to leave, where would he go? Here, we look at three possible destinations for the midfielder.
Arsenal's Arsene Wenger 'surprised' by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain exit reports: https://t.co/omytVb0htM pic.twitter.com/7kEUGn5cCF
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) March 9, 2017
JOINING THE KLOPP REVOLUTION AT LIVERPOOL?
Liverpool are reportedly ready to bid for Oxlade-Chamberlain if Arsenal are willing to sell him. With his power and direct running, it’s easy to see how the Ox could fit in at Klopp’s Liverpool.
For Oxlade-Chamberlain, the argument against a move to Anfield is that there’s no guarantee of a regular starting place. Jordan Henderson and Giorgino Wijnaldum will usually be two of the three starting midfielders, leaving the Ox to battle it out with Emre Can and James Milner (if he’s returned to his preferred position in midfield) for the last spot.
Liverpool are monitoring Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. He is not a main target but he could become an option if Arsenal sell. (James Pearce)
— Anfield HQ (@AnfieldHQ) March 9, 2017
FOLLOWING IN ROBIN VAN PERSIE’S FOOTSTEPS?
The last player to leave Arsenal for Manchester United is now a subject of universal hatred at the Emirates Stadium, and while Oxlade-Chamberlain probably wouldn’t be treated the same way Robin van Persie is, there’s no doubt the Emirates faithful would consider such a move a betrayal.
That is not Oxlade-Chamberlain’s concern, however – if he sees a path to regular first-team football at Old Trafford, he would be justified in wanting to take it.
But it’s not clear that such a path would exist. United are definitely thin on midfield options, but with their spending power, the club is sure to look for more A-list player in the transfer market, with the likes of Toni Kroos being mentioned.
Would the Ox fit the bill in terms of the star power United generally seek?
A RETURN TO SOUTHAMPTON?
This is perhaps the most unlikely move of the three but Southampton are in a much healthier position than when the Ox left the club in 2011 – when they were a League One side.
A move back to the south coast would certainly guarantee regular first-team football but the lack of European football could hinder his international ambitions.
That all said, it would be comfortable surroundings for the player who actually grew up in neighbouring Portsmouth.
