Liverpool won a late race last night to sign Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain from Arsenal even though Chelsea had their bid accepted for the 24-year-old Englishman.
Reports suggest that the former Arsenal man didn’t sign for Chelsea as he was expected to be deployed as a wingback. Liverpool became his preferred destination as he would get more chances to play in midfield or even in the attack.
Medical ✅
Signed ✅Go behind the scenes as @Alex_OxChambo completed his move to the Reds:https://t.co/yRpD6HexQA pic.twitter.com/ZX7ILcW1bu
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 31, 2017
The former Southampton player was with the England side during the international break but it seems like the medical took place during this period and first images of the Ox wearing our red are all over the internet.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 31, 2017
The 24-year-old was in his final year as an Arsenal player. Champions League football seems to have done its trick and the Ox will provide us not only with cover but also with versatility as he can be used as a winger and a central midfielder too.
The Englishman seemed to be out of sorts at Arsenal during their 4-0 loss at our hands last Sunday and that could have been one reason why he chose to leave.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 31, 2017
Arsenal will not be playing in the Champions League this season, which is a major blow for their plans in the transfer window. The signing of the Ox follows the surprise addition of Naby Keita from RB Leipzig, even though the Bundesliga star will be joining our side at the start of next season.
The Ox is a Liverpool supporter and even though his ‘dream’ move might have taken place, there is no guarantee that he will be a starter for us in the coming weeks. We already have a jam-packed midfield with Emre Can, Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Georginio Wijnaldum and Marko Gruijic, all being fit.
Adam Lallana is injured and there are questions about Philippe Coutinho. If anyone can turn Ox’s career around, it has to be Jurgen Klopp but one thing is given, the former Arsenal man will have to do a lot of hard work before he can become a regular first-team player for us.
