If you’re waking up this morning hoping things have become a bit clearer with Arsenal’s transfer plans, then I heavily suggest you go back to bed.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is now closer to staying at Arsenal after rejecting the chance to join Chelsea because he feels a move to Liverpool would be far better for his future.
The Gunners had agreed a £40million transfer fee with Antonio Conte’s side earlier this week and everything look set to be concluded much to the delight of the Arsenal supporters.
However, in the early hours of this morning Arsenal’s transfer guru, David Ornstein, has revealed The Ox will look to force through a move to the red half of Merseyside.
Oxlade-Chamberlain has rejected Chelsea move & wants to join Liverpool. Bid lower than #CFC £40m expected. Otherwise will stay at #AFC #LFC
— David Ornstein (@bbcsport_david) August 29, 2017
Ornstein went on to confirm that the 24-year-old wants assurances that he’ll be utilised in more of a central role and feels he’ll have a better chance of doing so under Jurgen Klopp.
Arsene Wenger was desperate to get this deal over the line as he looks to re-organise his squad with the added funds and squad space following Oxlade-Chamberlain’s departure.
But it now looks as if the most likely outcome is the Englishman staying with the club he joined as a youngster all those years ago, as Arsenal are less likely to sell to Liverpool.
The starting price would be in excess of £40million given Wenger knows the money Liverpool are likely to receive for Phillipe Coutinho will make them a financial rival again.
On top of that, there’s still a nasty smell around the two sides following the Luis Suarez saga in which Liverpool refused to play by the rules after Wenger triggered a release clause in the striker’s contract.
Oxlade-Chamberlain recently turned down a £180,000-per-week contract at Arsenal and if ends up staying it could be an incredibly awkward final year of his Gunners career.
Want more updates, pictures and views on Arsenal’s transfer activity? Make sure you’re following Fresh Arsenal on Twitter and Facebook!