Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is wanted by Liverpool.
The Arsenal winger has scored six goals in 23 appearances this, before picking up a hamstring injury in the 1-2 loss away to Manchester City earlier this month.
Despite being used more frequently this season than last year, doubts remain over his future at the Emirates.
Oxlade-Chamberlain has 18-months remaining on his contract, and has never been a regular starter for Arsene Wenger’s side.
Even this season, when he’s seen more minutes than in previous campaigns, the 23-year-old has still only started eight league games. He has also only played 90-minutes once – against West Ham United at the start of December.
Whether the England international would get more playing time at Anfield is doubtful. But, according to The Guardian, Liverpool have a real interest in signing him in January.
Oxlade-Chamberlain would be available for a reduced price as he’s in the final stages of his contract. Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp also reportedly feel confident they could tempt him to leave the Emirates.
However, there are two pretty big hurdles for the deal.
Firstly, Liverpool and Arsenal are direct title rivals this season. The Gunners would understandably be wary of improving their rival’s squad by allowing Oxlade-Chamberlain leave.
Secondly, there remains a sour taste between the club’s respective boardrooms over the transfer wrangle for Luis Suarez back in 2013.
The Uruguayan’s buy-out clause was £40m. Arsenal bid £40m and £1, which didn’t go down well at Anfield. The club rejected the bid and Suarez joined Barcelona a year later for £65m.
Liverpool have also taken measures to prevent Arsenal signing any of their players. It was revealed earlier this month that Roberto Firmino has a buy-out clause worth €98m, which can be triggered by any club except Arsenal.
Oxlade-Chamberlain joined Arsenal from Southampton in 2012 for £15m.
