Why Arsenal moving for Liverpool’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlin makes sense

Arsenal linked with Oxlade-Chamberlain return

A recent report from the Sun has credited Arsenal with an interest in former player, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Oxlade-Chamberlain would join Arsenal in 2011 from Southampton and went on to enjoy six years at the club.

The midfielder perhaps did not live up to the hype, but was still a very useful asset at Arsenal.

However, the now 28-year-old would then sign for Liverpool in August of 2017 for a fee reported to be around £34m.

Since his move to Merseyside, Chamberlain has featured on 109 occasions for Liverpool, scoring 14 and assisting 12.

And though he now has Premier League and Champions League medals, Chamberlain has never really been able to hold down a regular starting spot for Jurgen Klopp’s side.

This has, in part, been due to injury issues, including a cruciate ligament rupture which saw him miss 43 games and a knee injury which saw him miss 20 games for Liverpool (as per transfermarket).

Now, as per the Sun, Arsenal are weighing up a move for the Englishman, who is said to have become frustrated with his lack of opportunities:

Mark Irwin: Arsenal are considering a shock swoop for former player Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.https://t.co/ma42KF6CDH

— Osman 🎗 (@OsmanZtheGooner) October 10, 2021

Why a move for Liverpool midfielder makes sense

The Sun add that Arsenal are interested in an initial six-month loan with the possibility of a permanent deal at the end of the season.

Such a move, on paper, seems like an excellent deal for all parties.

One of the main reasons for this is due to Arsenal’s midfield issues. Granit Xhaka is currently sidelined, whilst both Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny are set to depart in January for the African Cup of Nations.

This would leave just Xhaka (if fit), and the inexperienced pair of Albert Sambi Lokonga and Ainsley Maitland-Niles as viable central midfield options.

If Arsenal were to sign Chamberlain, though, they would be adding a very experienced midfielder to their ranks on, if they get their way, a simple loan deal.

Chamberlain is also pretty versatile so he can cover further forward if needed as well.

And, if his return to Arsenal does not work out, then it should not be a huge issue if Mikel Arteta and co. are able to get him on the reported six-month loan first of all before committing to any purchase.

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