This is all going to blow up in Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s face, isn’t it?On Monday it was reported that Arsenal had agreed to sell the 24-year-old to Chelsea in a deal worth £40 million.But Oxlade-Chamberlain has since turned down the move to Chelsea and instead wants to sign for Liverpool.According to BBC Sport’s David Ornstein, the England international believes he would be used as a right wing-back by Chelsea - the position he is tired of playing for Arsenal.Of course, there’s no guarantee that Oxlade-Chamberlain would even get into Liverpool’s side - let alone Chelsea’s - considering how impressive Jurgen Klopp’s side looks right now.And Liverpool’s interest in the winger has never appeared as concrete as Chelsea’s, who were prepared to part with £40m for his services.So it’s easy to envisage a scenario in which Oxlade-Chamberlain is left to return to Arsenal with his tail between his legs, having angered the club’s fans with his recent behaviour.
It's either the Ox or Lemar
Liverpool were interested in signing Oxlade-Chamberlain at the start of the summer but didn’t pursue the move when Arsene Wenger insisted that he wasn’t for sale.
They’ve since turned their attentions to AS Monaco’s Thomas Lemar; L’Equipe reported that the Reds made a €72 million bid for the 21-year-old on Tuesday.
According to former Ben Smith, formerly of BBC and The Times, it’s either Oxlade-Chamberlain or Lemar for Liverpool - they won’t sign both.
Liverpool fans want Lemar
And the Ox’s decision to snub Chelsea has annoyed Liverpool fans who would prefer to see Lemar arrive before Thursday’s deadline.
Liverpool's squad looks impressive
Should Liverpool succeed in their attempts to sign either player, it will leave Klopp with an enviable array of options.
Lemar and Oxlade-Chamberlain can both play in advanced positions or drop into midfield, which would seem the most likely option given the level Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane are playing at right now.
It remains to be seen whether Klopp will be able to call upon Philippe Coutinho when the Premier League resumes next month but if Liverpool are able to fend off Barcelona, the German will be left with a seriously exciting squad.
Liverpool just need that one centre-back before everyone really buys into them.