Ian Wright blasts Arsenal for starting 24-year-old at Liverpool despite transfer link
The Arsenal legend can't understand why Arsene Wenger would start Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain at Anfield given Liverpool's interest in the midfielder
Ian Wright admits he was “dumbfounded” Arsene Wenger started Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for Arsenal’s 4-0 loss at Anfield given the midfielder reportedly wants to move to Liverpool.
The Gunners midfielder’s future has been a source of debate throughout the summer transfer window after Arsenal failed to agree a contract extension with the versatile midfielder.
Premier League champions Chelsea have agreed a fee with Arsenal to sign Oxlade-Chamberlain but the England international is rumoured to prefer a move to Liverpool.
The Reds were also widely reported to have agreed a fee with Arsenal on Wednesday evening.
Oxlade-Chamberlain was named in the starting line-up at Anfield last weekend as Liverpool were resounding 4-0 winners against their title rivals.
The former Southampton midfielder struggled in the Premier League clash and Wenger replaced the 24-year-old in the second half with Arsenal trailing 3-0.
Ex-Gunners striker Wright has blasted the north London club for starting Oxlade-Chamberlain given the midfielder’s reported desire to move to Liverpool this summer.
Asked about Arsene Wenger playing Oxlade-Chamberlain at Liverpool in light of the transfer speculation, Wright told BBC Radio 5 Live on Monday night:
“I’m dumbfounded! I don’t know what to say about that. How has that happened? It’s crazy.
“What kind of frame of mind is Oxlade-Chamberlain in? I can’t believe it. It wouldn’t happen anywhere else. You wouldn’t see that at any other club.”
Oxlade-Chamberlain moved to Arsenal in a £10m deal from Southampton in the 2010 summer transfer window.
The England star has won three FA Cups during his seven-season stay at the Emirates Stadium.
Liverpool have already signed AS Roma winger Mohamed Salah, Chelsea teenager Dominic Solanke and Hull City defender Andy Robertson this summer.
