Could Stoke come and rescue Arsenal’s Oxlade-Chamberlain?
Published:First he was off to Liverpool, then Chelsea emerged on the scene, but could Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain actually be heading for Stoke City?
The Sun are reporting that the Staffordshire outfit are considering a £25m move for the Arsenal winger.
Oxlade-Chamberlain’s Gunners contract expires in 12 months time, and with no new deal forthcoming as yet, the North Londoners may well be willing to cash in.
On the face of it a move to the Potters might be considered a step down for the England international.
But Mark Hughes’ side would be able to offer the 23-year-old the thing he craves most – first-team football – and that’s why they might just appeal as the 6/1 option.
While joining Liverpool or Chelsea would keep Oxlade-Chamberlain at the sharp end of the Premier League and in European competition, it’s hard to believe he could hold down a starting position at Anfield or Stamford Bridge.
At Stoke however, it’s likely he would play week-in week-out and potentially shine under Hughes’ open style of football.
And with a spot in England’s 2018 World Cup squad to aim for, that might be the best way for the former Southampton man to go about next season.
There is a risk though. Fail to dazzle at Stoke, just like Jack Wilshere did at Bournemouth last term, and his career could fizzle out before he turns 25.
Ladbrokes Latest Betting:
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain club after summer transfer window
Chelsea – 5/4
Liverpool – 7/2
Stoke City – 6/1
Manchester City – 20/1
Everton – 25/1
Click here for all the latest transfer odds.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing