Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain must quit Arsenal to fulfil his promise
After six years at the Emirates, the 23-year-old will move on to secure regular football and an England World Cup berth
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has made up his mind to leave Arsenal after six years at the Emirates, and his decision is is "set to spark a transfer scramble", says the Sunday Times.
The paper says that the 23-year-old has been mulling over his future on holiday and he's come to the conclusion that "a move would be best if he is to deliver on his rich potential". In recent years the Ox has shown only glimpses of that potential, and his career has been hampered by injury but also the tendency of Arsene Wenger to start him on the bench.
Desperate to be included in England's World Cup squad next summer, Oxlade-Chamberlain wants to move to a club where he'll get regular game time. Where might that be?
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The Sunday Times says Chelsea "covet him" while Manchester City and Liverpool are also admirers. Reds boss Jurgen Klopp is a particular fan because of Oxlade-Chamberlain's "energy, explosiveness and ability to perform a variety of attacking roles".
Arsenal were said to be ready to offer the Ox a new deal to secure his loyalty but apparently nothing formal has been tabled. There was an informal offer, according to the Sunday Times, but that was "significantly below expectations". And the fact that Wenger has not promised Oxlade-Chamberlain more starts next season has confirmed to the player where he stands in his manager's thinking.
It's believed that Arsenal will sell to a Premier League rival - unlike Alexis Sanchez - but only if they receive bids in the region of £25m.
That's half of what the Gunners are considering bidding for Alexandre Lacazette, says The Sun, with the paper claiming that Lyon have upped their asking price for the 26-year-old striker.
Initially it was thought the Frenchman would set Arsenal back £30m but with Atletico Madrid also interested, Lyon are determined to squeeze Lacazette's suitors until the pips squeak. Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas said last week that the club "have a very nice offer from Arsenal but he will not leave", but it's believed that if the north London outfit find another £20m then his resolve will crack like an Arsenal title challenge.
But the Daily Mirror claims that the striker in Arsenal's sights is AC Milan frontman Carlos Bacca, who in recent days has been linked to Everton and Marseille. Apparently the Italian club will "happily sell the 30-year-old for €20m" and Arsene Wenger is said to be weighing up an offer.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Why are home insurance prices going up?
Today's Big Question Climate-driven weather events are raising insurers' costs
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
'All too often, we get caught up in tunnel vision'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
2024: the year of legacy media failures
In the Spotlight From election criticism to continued layoffs, the media has had it rough in 2024
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
English football and the etiquette of leaving the stadium early
Talking Point The belief that 'true fans stay to the end' does not always apply
By The Week UK Published
-
Premier League: Man City vs. Arsenal predictions
feature What the pundits say about tonight’s title race showdown at the Etihad
By Mike Starling Last updated
-
Liverpool 7 Man Utd 0: ‘welcome to Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool 2.0’
feature Anfield’s ‘new front three’ were on fire in the humbling of their bitter rivals
By Mike Starling Published
-
Pros and cons of VAR in football
Pros and Cons String of mistakes has put new technology under the microscope
By Chas Newkey-Burden Published
-
Can Arsenal really win the Premier League title?
feature How the pundits reacted after the Gunners’ late 3-2 victory over Man Utd
By Mike Starling Published
-
Has Liverpool been weakened by Jürgen Klopp’s ‘seven-year itch’?
feature After seven years at Anfield, critics are wondering whether his magic is wearing off
By The Week Staff Published
-
Who is Darwin Nunez? The ‘modern striker’ signing for Liverpool
In the Spotlight Portuguese club Benfica confirm a deal for the Uruguay international worth up to €100m
By Mike Starling, The Week UK Published
-
Uefa Champions League final: blame game begins for chaos in Paris
feature Liverpool call for an investigation as Uefa are accused of a ‘narrative of lies’
By Mike Starling Published