Aston Villa, Newcastle, and Brighton are said to be closely monitoring the situation surrounding Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, whose contract is set to expire at the end of the season.

According to reports, the 29-year-old former Arsenal man has not engaged in any talks with Liverpool regarding a contract extension, fuelling speculation that will be on the move this summer.

Although Oxlade-Chamberlain has not worked directly with Villa’s current manager, Unai Emery, the pair share an Arsenal connection. Emery took over the reins at the London club after the Englishman had left for Liverpool.

Both are familiar with the style and culture of the Gunners, and this shared background may influence the midfielder’s decision.

Oxlade-Chamberlain, who began his career at Southampton, has found first-team opportunities limited at Liverpool this season, making just 12 appearances.

With Jurgen Klopp’s side planning a squad overhaul in the summer, his chances of securing regular playing time at Anfield look increasingly slim.

Brighton previously expressed interest in Oxlade-Chamberlain during the January transfer window but were unwilling to pay a fee for a player who would be available for free just months later.

Serie A clubs have also shown interest in the versatile midfielder, adding to the growing list of potential suitors.

As the end of the season approaches, it remains to be seen which club will win the race for Oxlade-Chamberlain’s signature.

A move to Aston Villa could provide a fresh start and the opportunity to work with an experienced manager like Emery, while Newcastle and Brighton offer alternative options for the player to consider.

Regardless of his final destination, Oxlade-Chamberlain will undoubtedly be eager to reestablish himself as a regular starter and make an impact in the Premier League once more.

Arsenal sell Oxlade-Chamberlain to Liverpool

Arsenal sold Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to Liverpool in August 2017 for a transfer fee reported to be around £35 million.

The move came after the English midfielder spent six injury-plagued years in London, having joined from Southampton in 2011.

At the time of the transfer, Oxlade-Chamberlain was entering the final year of his contract with Arsenal, and the club had been unable to negotiate a contract extension with him.

With the risk of losing him on a free transfer the following summer, Arsenal decided to cash in on the player.

Oxlade-Chamberlain’s decision to leave Arsenal for Liverpool was driven by several factors, including the opportunity to work under the highly-regarded manager Jurgen Klopp, the prospect of playing in his preferred central midfield role, and the chance to join a team with ambitions of challenging for major honours at a time Arsenal were still struggling due to the self-imposed financial restrictions due to their new stadium.

The move turned out to be a successful one for Oxlade-Chamberlain, as he went on to win the UEFA Champions League, the Premier League, and the FIFA Club World Cup with Liverpool.

However, his time at Anfield has also been marred by injuries, which have limited his playing time and overall impact on the team.

He is now valued at around £9m.