Premier League side favourites to sign Arsenal and Liverpool hero on free transfer

Former Arsenal and Liverpool star Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been tipped to join a Premier League rival on a free transfer.

Oxlade-Chamberlain is fondly remembered at both the Emirates and Anfield having won seven major trophies during his time at both clubs.

There were huge expectations when the then-17-year-old joined Arsenal from Southampton in 2011, instantly becoming a first-team regular under Arsene Wenger despite his tender years.

The midfielder also broke into the England team, winning 35 caps, the last of which in 2019, and was part of the squads that went to Euro 2012 and the 2014 World Cup.

‘The Ox’ spent six seasons in north London, making 198 appearances and winning three FA Cups, but in 2017 he completed a surprise transfer to Liverpool for a fee of £35million – still the most expensive sale in Arsenal’s history.

After a great start under Jurgen Klopp, it seemed he would be a key player for club and country for many a season to come, but that all fell apart after suffering a serious knee injury that ruled him out for over a year.

Fitness issues continued to plague him and he was eventually released in 2023, but not before adding a Premier League and Champions League title to his trophy cabinet.

The former Three Lions star has spent the last two seasons with Besiktas but found himself struggling for game time following the arrival of former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Oxlade-Chamberlain had one more year left on his contract but earlier this week the Turkish giants paid £1.2m to end his deal early, according to reports.

Now a free agent, the 31-year-old has been linked with a return to England and according to the bookmakers, Leeds United will be his destinantion.

Betfair have the Yorkshire club as the favourites to sign the Oxlade-Chamberlain as they look to add some experience ahead of their return to the Premier League.

The Athletic report that Leeds are currently working on deals for midfielders Sean Longstaff of Newcastle and Anton Stach from Hoffenheim.

Fellow recently promoted sides Sunderland and Burnley are also in the running, as are the player’s boyhood club Southampton and the Tom Brady-backed Birmingham, both of the Championship.

An emotional return to Liverpool and a controversial switch to Manchester United have also been mooted.

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