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Mikel Arteta’s comments on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain drop hint on his return amid Arsenal transfer link
Mikel Arteta’s glowing endorsement of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain speaks volumes amid reports that the Liverpool midfielder is set to return to Arsenal.
After just over four injury-plagued years on Merseyside, the 28-year-old is considering leaving Anfield in January after six seasons in north London, where he made 198 appearances.
Four of those were with current Arsenal manager Arteta, and they won two FA Cups together.
Despite winning the Premier League and the Champions League under Jurgen Klopp, Oxlade-Chamberlain has yet to establish himself as a first-team regular for the Reds.
It is no wonder they are open to welcoming him back, too, after Arteta’s comments on Oxlade-Chamberlain in 2020.
And now, the dynamo looks set to explore his options in January, with Arteta’s club reportedly considering a transfer following his £35 million sale in 2017.
“We could all see the potential of Alex and where he could develop,” the Spaniard explained of his former team-mate ahead of the Gunners’ meeting with Liverpool last July.
“He picked an incredible club to move to and he wanted a challenge probably after so many years here.
“We have to accept that and I think we all wish him the best because as well as being a great player.
He added: “I think he was someone who was really, really like here among the fans, the staff and the players.”
Arsenal signed Oxlade-Chamberlain from Southampton in 2011 for a fee of £15 million, despite interest from Manchester United.
Following in the footsteps of Theo Walcott, he was a fan favorite at the Emirates under Arsene Wenger.
His ex-boss, however, questioned his decision to leave before Wenger’s final season as Arsenal manager.
When asked if he was frustrated because he couldn’t be sure of a regular starting spot in the capital, Oxlade-Chamberlain responded:
“Is he sure of a place there [at Liverpool]?”
“You are sure of a place nowhere. In a big club you have big competition for every single place. That is absolutely normal.”
He went on to explain – with a smile – that big players had to be prepared to fight for their spot when playing for a top team.
“What do you want? To be a big player and not have to fight?,” Wenger quizzed.
“What do you want on top of that: sitting in your rocking chair and saying I’m a big player? I don’t need to fight?
“No. It doesn’t work like that. Every player can do that and he does it so overall, I am convinced it’s part of being a top player.”
Unfortunately for Oxlade-Chamberlain, his Anfield career has yet to reach the heights he would have hoped for, but his experience could benefit Arteta and co in a return to north London.
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Mikel Arteta’s comments on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain drop hint on his return amid Arsenal transfer link
