Jurgen Klopp says he has been tracking Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s progress for three years - and is delighted to bring the England midfielder to Liverpool.

Oxlade-Chamberlain has completed a £40million move from Arsenal, just days after the Gunners were demolished by Klopp’s Reds.

The 24-year-old has signed a five-year deal and could make his debut next week against Manchester City.

Oxlade-Chamberlain rejected a move to Premier League champions Chelsea to move to the north west and has also signed a contract some £60,000-a-week LESS than what he was offered by his former club.

Klopp is delighted with his new arrival (
Image:
Reuters)
Oxlade-Chamberlain poses with his new shirt (
Image:
Liverpool FC/Twitter)

German boss Klopp first came across the ex-Southampton youngster in September 2014, when his former side Borussia Dortmund met Arsenal in the Champions League.

And having been suitably impressed, Klopp continued to watch Oxlade-Chamberlain from afar. Now, he’s delighted to work with the midfielder.

“I am really, really happy we have got Alex signed,” he told Liverpol’s official website. "Since the last game I have been waiting and hoping we could make this transfer - and when I got the news he was ours it was fantastic.

“I remember the first time I saw him play live - it was at Dortmund in 2014 and he came on as a sub that day and made a big impact. He stood out immediately because of his pace and skills and his attitude in such a big game for a young player; I remember him chasing back to make a brilliant challenge on [Henrikh] Mkhitaryan in the box to save a certain goal.

Oxlade-Chamberlain impressed Klopp at the Westfalenstadion (
Image:
Action Images)
And again in the return game (
Image:
Getty)

“We won that game but lost the return match at Arsenal when he started and played well, I think he hit the post. Since then I have followed him and when I heard it may be possible to sign him I didn't need to think twice.”

Klopp’s pursuit of Oxlade-Chamberlain echoes how he waited for Sadio Mane, having initially wanted him at his former club - seeing the Senegalese join Southampton instead - before being united at Anfield.

Oxlade-Chamberlain has joined Liverpool rather than Chelsea as he is determined to play regularly in a central midfield role, rather than at wing-back.

Whether he will get that wish, Klopp isn’t giving away. But he is excited at what his new signing can bring to a side who have started the season with 14 goals in five games.

A delighted Oxlade-Chamberlain (
Image:
Liverpool FC/Twitter)
Oxlade-Chamberlain now heads off on England duty (
Image:
@TheRedmenTV/Twitter)

“I hear a lot of talk about positions but let's talk about the player; he is someone with really good abilities who always gives everything for his team.

"A player that is positive and willing to take risks to try and make positive things happen.

“He may still be young but he has a lot of experience in the Premier League, Champions League and for his country. Already he is a very, very good player and I think he has the mentality and desire to get even better - and that excites me.

“This is someone making a tough decision to leave one great club and come to another great club and I think he had many options, so to get him means I am delighted.

“He didn't make an easy decision but I think he made a great one to go on this journey with this squad of talented boys and our great supporters. I welcome him to the Liverpool family.”

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