Arsene Wenger has been at hand to deliver a disappointing update on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s future amid interest from Liverpool in the midfielder.
Reports recently revealed the 23-year-old had rejected Arsenal’s final contract offer and was eyeing up a move to Anfield, yet latest developments have strongly conflicted with such an idea.
The Englishman was previously deemed to be worthy of the ‘wantaway’ label, but it now appears there is a good chance he could stay at the Emirates this summer.
“Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will stay. 100 per cent I expect him to stay. There is no speculation. No matter what happens he will stay,” Wenger told the Mirror.
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It has recently been outlined that Oxlade-Chamberlain is keen on continuing his career elsewhere in aid of his own personal development and playing in his preferred central midfield role more regularly.
His notable pace, power, athleticism and versatility has seen him consolidate a place high on Jurgen Klopp’s wishlist as the kind of all-action utility man capable of bolstering Liverpool’s spine and strength in depth.
£25million had emerged as Arsenal’s reported asking price although the London club have also been quick to reaffirm that the former Southampton starlet will not be sold to Liverpool.
Yet another twist in a complicated transfer window.
Despite the setback, the focus right now will undoubtedly be on intensifying the pursuit of RB Leipzig’s Naby Keita with the Reds expected to return with a second bid of £65million for the Guinean having seen an initial £57million offer rejected.