Liverpool are reportedly pursuing the signature of Alex Oxlade Chamberlain in January as they look to strengthen their squad, in order to stay in the mix and challenge for the Premier League title come May
The Guardian report that Liverpool are monitoring Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and are exploring the possibility of a January move for the Arsenal winger as they bid to strengthen their squad in time to lay a solid push for the Premier League title during the second half of the campaign.
The report also adds that Jurgen Klopp is eyeing the youngster as one among the prospective signings, as he finds ways to add more durability and depth to the Liverpool side.
The Reds have suffered a number of injury casualties already this season, and with injuries to Philippe Coutinho and the subsequent absence of Sadio Mane in January, they will be short of options on the wings.
Furthermore, Klopp’s reluctance to rush Sheyi Ojo onto the first team fold has indicated Liverpool will definitely set out to spend some money on prospective signings and have already been linked with the likes of Inaki Williams, Quincy Promes and Christian Pulisic among others.
Signing Chamberlain won’t be ‘a piece of cake’ for Liverpool
The idea is one thing but to put it into paper and force a move is a completely different matter altogether, especially considering that Liverpool are Arsenal’s direct title rivals.
Moreover, the strained relations between the two clubs in the aftermath of the transfer saga surrounding Luis Suarez back in the summer of 2013 doesn’t make for comfortable negotiations either.
Liverpool were reportedly incensed by Arsenal’s attempt to trigger a buyout clause for the player that seemingly never existed and the damage caused to the relations between the two clubs hasn’t since been repaired.
That said, it appears that the Reds’ interest in Chamberlain is genuine and it comes at a time when the player is frustrated by his lack of playing time under Wenger.
Chamberlain has scored six goals and assisted six others in the 23 games he has featured thus far, and it’s the recent form that may prompt Arsenal boss to hold on to the youngster.
Amidst interest from the likes of Manchester City, Southampton and Leicester City, Wenger has stated that he’d like to offer the young Englishman a contract although it remains to be seen whether that translates into action.
