In a massive turn of events, Arsenal’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has turned down a chance to join Chelsea even after the two clubs settled on a £40million fee, reports BBC. And in return, he has opted to sign for Liverpool and BBC journalist David Ornstein has reported that Oxlade-Chamberlain will sign a six-year deal with the Reds and will become Arsenal’s record departure.
Liverpool have agreed a deal with Arsenal to sign Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for £40m #AFC #LFC
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) August 30, 2017
Chamberlain, who had entered the final year of his current Arsenal contract, rejected a new take-it-or-leave-it contract from the club, sparking fresh rumours of his potential exit. It was claimed that Chamberlain’s desire of not signing a new contract was based on the fact that Wenger planned to use him as a wing-back, while Ox wanted a central role.
This followed with Chelsea showing an interest and the two clubs even reached an agreement worth £40million for the midfielder. But Chamberlain rejected the offer as he believes that Conte, too, wishes to use him as a wing-back. And rightly so, the Blues haven’t made any new signings who can compete Victor Moses on the flank.
Furthermore, Goal correspondent Chris Wheatley states that Liverpool will initially pay £35million for the midfielder with the further £5million add-ons, hence, they have matched Chelsea’s offer one way or the other. Arsenal, on their part, wanted to conclude the speculation before the deadline day as the failure to sell the Ox would have seen him on a free transfer next summer.
The Englishman was spotted wearing the Liverpool jersey ahead of the club’s photo shoot. Here’s the picture (h/t Daily Star).
The fans were all vocal on Twitter and here are some of the best reactions:
Oxlade-Chamberlain fee is 'up to' £40m (£35m plus £5m in add-ons). Player will undergo medical at St George's Park tonight. pic.twitter.com/dJVRlLVOpz
— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley) August 30, 2017
Liverpool fans have gone crazy about the news and this is how they are reacting to it:
https://twitter.com/_lfcleanne/status/902785642740015105
https://twitter.com/Super_klopp/status/902774221251719168
https://twitter.com/Jordizer/status/902677205565747204
https://twitter.com/seanholden99/status/902677084778135553
WTF we need defenders not more midfielders and especially not more shit ones
— kasif Hanif 🏆 (@kasifhanif1) August 30, 2017
https://twitter.com/RBliss1999/status/902940591079739392
£40m for a guy in the last year of his contract and doesn't even have a position 🤷🏿♂️
— Danny Stilwell (@Danny_Stilwell) August 30, 2017
What about the other two? Please don't end this brilliant week with a whimper 🤞#LFCTwitter
— Joels (@stead_jolie) August 30, 2017
https://twitter.com/AnthonyDBurden/status/902951188148170755
