Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain didn’t look like a man keen to leave the Gunners for Liverpool this summer, as he helped Arsenal to a 2-0 win over Sydney FC at the ANZ Stadium.
The 23-year-old, who is believed to have rejected a contract extension at Arsenal, impressed after coming off the bench in the 68th minute, to the delight of the supporters.
Oxlade-Chamberlain would definitely win the pre-season Ballon d'Or, class every year.
— Calum (@CalArsenal) July 13, 2017
Many Arsenal fans are desperate for the club to retain his services and his industrious performances are exactly why.
Oxlade-Chamberlain still looks the hardest working man in the pitch. Would be folly if he were allowed to leave #ArsenalinSydney
— James Garvey (@JamesGarvey_BHC) July 13, 2017
It wasn’t just fans on social media making noise about their desire to keep the Ox either…
"Oxlade-Chamberlain we want you to stay". The loudest of the singing so far.
— Tony Harper (@toneharper) July 13, 2017
It was intimated during Arsenal.com’s commentary that the midfielder had been working hard in pre-season and looked like a player ready to shine for the Gunners, rather than looking to leave for a new club, which suggests Arsenal could yet rectify the situation.
Oxlade-Chamberlain has 12 months left on his current deal at the Emirates and is a £25m transfer target for Liverpool. However, Arsene Wenger has made his stance clear by including the 23-year-old on the pre-season tour so it’s unlikely he’ll be granted a move this summer – nor is he playing like he wants one.