Liverpool have reportedly made their first move to sign Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain from Arsenal in the summer.

According to a report in the Daily Mirror, Liverpool have made their first attempts to land Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in the summer transfer window. The Merseyside club has submitted a direct enquiry to Arsenal over a possible move for the English midfielder.

Oxlade-Chamberlain arrived at Arsenal from Southampton as a 17-year-old prodigy in 2011. While the player was rated as one of the most exciting young prospects in England back then, his career has failed to progress as per expectations, owing largely to injuries and a constant shuffling of positions.

The two aforementioned factors have given way to inconsistent performances, meaning the 23-year-old has never managed to establish himself as a regular in the first-team setup at the Emirates. 2016/17, though, saw a much improved Oxlade-Chamberlain play for Arsenal and he was one of the brighter sparks in a mediocre season for the Gunners.

The England international made 45 appearances for the Gunners, with a decent return of 6 goals and 11 assists, even as he played as a winger, central midfielder and a wing-back. Oxlade-Chamberlain however, has just 12 months remaining on his current deal with Arsenal, with little developments over a renewal.

Set to don the red of Liverpool? (Photo courtesy - Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Set to don the red of Liverpool? (Photo courtesy – Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

With his future at the Emirates mired in uncertainty, it is likely that Oxlade-Chamberlain could move to a new club in the summer. The likeliest destination for him is Liverpool, with Jurgen Klopp a huge admirer of his talents and in urgent need of bolstering his options in midfield.

The Liverpool boss has a serious shortage of depth in the centre of the park owing to captain Jordan Henderson struggling with a spate of injuries. As a result, Klopp had Adam Lallana, Emre Can, Lucas Leiva and Georginio Wijnaldum as his only options for large parts of the campaign.

With Lucas expected to call time on his Liverpool career this summer, and Can being linked with an exit from Anfield as well, Klopp is in serious need to sign a quality midfielder.

A move to Liverpool can potentially be fruitful for Oxlade-Chamberlain as well, as he can become an asset for Klopp with his pace and work rate. On top of that, he’ll have the opportunity to play in the Champions League as well, with Arsenal set to compete in the Europa League next season.

Recent reports had suggested that Liverpool have been plotting a £30 million move for the player, and the news from the Daily Mirror is that they have taken the first decisive steps in the aforementioned move.

The report also claims that Arsenal have rebuffed Liverpool’s first approach but may be forced to sell Oxlade-Chamberlain to Liverpool despite frosty relations with the Reds. It now remains to be seen if the move indeed sees the light of the day.

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