Three Replacements For Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain Who Arsenal Can Target
Having failed to qualify for Champions League, Arsenal have had a decent transfer window this year as they have added a couple of exciting stars to their first team. But they are in danger of losing two of their star players in Alexis Sanchez and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Both players have not signed new contracts with the club and though Sanchez might see out his deal, Chamberlain is extensively linked with a move to Chelsea or Liverpool.
The Blues are expected to make a £35m bid in the upcoming days for his services, which might not be easy for Arsenal to turn down so they will have to act quickly and look for replacements for this season. Here are three such players who can replace the English midfielder at the Emirates:
Fabinho (AS Monaco)
The versatile Brazilian midfielder has been linked with a move to Manchester United and PSG this summer but if Arsenal end up losing ‘the Ox’, they should definitely look at Fabinho as an option to replace him. Capable of playing as a full-back as well, Fabinho is one of the most exciting, established and dynamic players around at the moment and though he may not be as effective in the attack as Chamberlain, he is more than a decent option to replace the Englishman in the squad at the Emirates, in the midfield as well as on the wing.
Thomas Lemar (AS Monaco)
Another player who is not as versatile as Chamberlain but is a superb replacement is French youngster Thomas Lemar. One of the most wanted players in the current transfer market, Lemar has extensively been linked with a move to Arsenal recently but the Gunners are reluctant to meet his asking price. However, if they end up selling the English midfielder for £35m, they can easily fund Lemar’s transfer and can lure a player who can turn into a match winner in the years to come.
Ross Barkley (Everton)
Finally, Arsenal should look at Everton want-away Ross Barkley as an option to replace Oxlade-Chamberlain in the squad this season. The Merseyside born midfielder is as close as Arsenal can get to for like-to-like replacement for Ox. Wenger should be all over his signature if he decides to let Ox leave this summer. Available at just £25m, Barkley will actually leave Arsenal with a profit on the sale of Ox and given his potential, Barkley could establish himself in the first team within no time at the Emirates.