Arsenal plot shock transfer reunion with Oxlade-Chamberlain

Your timely reminder that it is the October international break and not deadline day of one of the two transfer windows. The world of speculation never takes a day off, never feeds, never sleeps. Arsenal have been linked with a move for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

That is correct. That is the story.

With less than two months to go until the January transfer window opens, a time in the season where clubs scramble for missing parts or aim to right the wrongs of the previous summer window, things get set up for an intriguing time of the year.

We’re also treated to some bizarre stories; left-field rumours out of nowhere that need quelling.

Arsenal plot shock transfer reunion with Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as Mikel Arteta wants January reinforcements

Aaron Ramsey making another romantic Arsenal return has emerged, so too the possibility of Jack Wilshere signing a short-term deal. Both are fan-led and neither are happening. Fortunately.

Spanish wingers have been linked and Senegalese central defenders too, but how about Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain? At £35m he remains the most expensive departure in the club’s history. Behind him is Nicolas Anelka, and he left in 1999.

This one comes courtesy of Mark Irwin. It’s a publication best to apply heavy-handed seasoning too, even if someone like Irwin has sprung a few surprises of late; he was the first to break talk of interest in Aaron Ramsdale.

Nonetheless, this is something special. If you want to call it that.

It’s understandable that the Ox wants out of Merseyside. Far down the pecking order under Jurgen Klopp, the midfielder has made only 109 appearances across four full seasons, not helped by the plethora of injuries he’s suffered throughout his Reds career.

Missing no less than 74 matches with a variety of setbacks, his most latest one was a knee injury in August last year that ruled him out for four months. Since returning from it in December 2020 the 28-year-old has made a measly four appearances, slipping further down the midfield options behind youngsters Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott.

Currently earning £125k-per-week on a contract running until 2023, Liverpool will not keep the Ox against his will and any move that satisfies their demands will be sanctioned as the three-time FA Cup winner with Arsenal eyes a north London reunion.

Despite his standing in the team and contract running down the Reds are still said to want a reasonable fee to allow him to leave. How much that is isn’t mentioned, but even brilliant negotiators Liverpool surely can’t be demanding close to the initial outlay they parted with previously.

So, Arsenal have something in mind for the January transfer window. And it’s a bit silly.

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