They say the transfer market is a roller coaster. If you were not sure of the comparison, the Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain saga is a prime example. The 24 year-old England National Footballer first turned down a new contract from Arsenal. Reports were that Oxlade-Chamberlain was not happy playing an outside back position and wanted a move to the midfield. Chelsea and Liverpool quickly became ideal landing spots for the versatile youngster.
It was reported that Oxlade-Chamberlain preferred a move to Anfield, but it was Chelsea that aggressively targeted him. In addition, it was understood that Arsenal would prefer to sell him to league champion Chelsea over Liverpool. Why would Arsenal sanction a move to the champions? The way Arsenal viewed the season was that Chelsea were a lock for a top-4 finish and Champions League play. Arsenal viewed Liverpool in a tier below Chelsea and direct competition with Arsenal for one of the final Champions League finishes. Therefore, the Gunners did not want to help Liverpool and would prefer to ship Oxlade-Chamberlain to Conte's men.
Therefore, it was no surprise when Arsenal accepted Chelsea's £35m offer this week. All signs indicated the deal would finalize and Alex would join Chelsea. However, there was one person who also factored in on the decision that reports did not consider......the footballer. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain preferred a move to Liverpool over Chelsea. Not just preferred, he turned down the Chelsea move and indicated if Liverpool did not acquire him he would simply play out his contract at Arsenal and leave after the season. Oxlade-Chamberlain snubbed Chelsea.
Liverpool quickly move in and after multiple attempts to sign Thomas Lemar were revoked, put in their own offer for the Arsenal man. After negotiations, Arsenal accepted the Liverpool offer which was about the same as Chelsea's with reported options that could increase it to £40m.
So, who is Alex Oxlade-Champberlain and how does this impact Liverpool? The word that jumps out is versatile. Joining Arsenal from Southamption, Oxlade-Chamberlain was looked at as a mid-fielder capable of helping both offensively as well as defensively. Most recently, Arsenal used him at wing-back, playing a defensive role but then joining the attack from the wings. However, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has made it known he prefers to be in the mid-field which is one of the reason he snubbed Chelsea. Liverpool could view him as an option to compliment Sadio Mane in a more offensive role. Most importantly, the addition will give Jurgen Klopp options. He could see time in an outside back position, central midfield, or outside on the attack. No matter where he plays his skill and talent is evident. In addition, he seems perfect for Klopp's pressing system with his combination of stamina and intensity.
The addition may signal the end of Liverpool's interest in Monaco's Thomas Lemar and could also shake up Liverpool's midfield. It's been a good week for Klopp as Oxlade-Chamberlain joins Naby Keita as key acquisition in the transfer markets final days. However, the key need remains defensive help and all eyes are on Virgil Van Dijk. Without signing a defensive talent to bolster the squad, Liverpool may not be able to score enough goals to hide their defensive issues.