West Ham United could make a move for Liverpool’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain if they are unable to secure their primary summer transfer target. The former Arsenal man played a bit-part role for the Reds last season as injury and a lack of opportunities resulted in him making just 13 league appearances.
As per Express, the Hammers are interested in signing West Bromwich Albion’s Matheus Pereira and see Oxlade-Chamberlain as a backup option. The London club were interested in bringing back Jesse Lingard, but it seems that the Manchester United man will stay at Old Trafford in a last-ditch attempt to impress the club’s hierarchy. Chelsea’s Ross Barkley is reportedly another option for Moyes.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has made 104 appearances for Liverpool, scoring 14 goals and providing 11 assists. His current deal with Liverpool expires in 2023.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: Just a backup to Pereira or a legitimate target?
West Ham United had an upbeat 2020-21 season, which ended with them qualifying for the Europa League. They had a solid second half of the season, helped by the timely arrival of Jesse Lingard in the January transfer window. The London club may need to bring in a few new faces to the side to add depth to the squad as they will be playing in Europe.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could be a good addition to the squad as he has vast Premier League and European experience. The Reds midfielder has the ability to dribble and make key passes in the final third and create magic. He is a quick player who can deliver deadly crosses into the box, while he also possesses a good work-rate and helps out defensively.
The Englishman is also very versatile, capable of playing in a number of positions. He has been used in the middle of the park in recent years but is capable of playing as a winger on the right and left, while he has also been deployed as an attacking midfielder.
Moyes could use him as part of a three-man midfield, or use him on the right as an alternative to Jarrod Bowen or Andriy Yarmolenko. The Hammers have also sold Felipe Anderson, which opens up another slot in the squad. Club captain and legend Mark Noble is set to retire at the end of the 2021-22 season and Oxlade-Chamberlain could be brought in to replace him as well, even though it might be a slightly unconventional choice.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain ticks a lot of boxes for the Premier League side as he has a wealth of experience, the ability to be a threat in attack, and can fill a number of roles in the team. The West Ham manager needs 2-3 players that have Premier League and European experience ahead of their important 2021-22 season and the former Arsenal man could be one of those players that can make a significant impact on the side.