Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is a shock Stoke target as Potters meet with player’s agent over potential £25million transfer from Arsenal
Mark Hughes to battle the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea for England international's signature
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ALEX OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN is a shock target for Stoke with the club in talks with the England ace's representatives.
The Arsenal star, who has only a year left on his current Emirates deal, has attracted interest from the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City after a fine end to last season.
But Stoke are in discussions with the player's agent over a potential club-record £25million move.
Originally signed from Southampton for £12m in 2011, the England midfielder has struggled to cement a place in Arsenal’s starting XI.
Injuries and loss of form have meant he has been unable to make the impact that perhaps had been expected of him when he made his debut for Southampton in 2010.
The promise of first-team football could sway the Ox, 23, towards the Potters and away from one of the big four, with a place at next year's World Cup at stake.
Jack Wilshere's loan move to Bournemouth last season is proof that sometimes players are willing to make a perceived step down in order to get their careers back on track.
With the departure of Marko Arnautovic to West Ham for £24.5m, Stoke are currently light on attacking midfielders with only Xherdan Shaqiri, Ibrahim Afellay and the inexperienced but talented Ramadan Sobhi as options for Mark Hughes.
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Any potential permanent deal would almost certainly break the transfer record set by Gianni Imbula’s £17m move from Porto in January 2016, with Arsenal reportedly demanding around £20-£25m for Oxlade-Chamberlain.
The versatile attacking star could prove to be the man who helps to change the fortunes of Mark Hughes’ tenure at the Bet365.
A 13th place finish and two disappointing cup exits have put pressure on the Welshman ahead of his fifth season in charge.
Oxlade-Chamberlain can play across the midfield and behind the striker, though he has flourished as an auxiliary right-wing back when required to do so this season.
His pace and off-the-ball movement could offer a different dimension to a slow Stoke midfield which has lacked a cutting edge.
Should Stoke sign Oxlade-Chamberlain, it would be a statement of intent that they are ready to mount a serious challenge for a top-six place.
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