Klopp ready to smash transfer record for Oxlade-Chamberlain
Jurgen Klopp is ready to smash Liverpool's transfer record in a last-ditch attempt to stop Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain signing a new £100,000-a-week contract at Arsenal report the Express.
Despite the midfielder having just 12 months remaining on his current deal at the Emirates, the Reds are said to be willing to splash out £40million for his services.
Klopp is hoping to have a couple of aces up his sleeve when it comes to trying to convince the 23-year-old to move north to Anfield.
The most obvious lure is that of Champions League football, which next season the Gunners will be absent from for the first time in 19 years.
Also the Reds boss is believed to be willing to hand Oxlade-Chamberlain the central role he covets in the middle of the park.
In recent months under Arsene Wenger, the former Southampton man has found himself operating at wing-back and the player himself does not feel that this role utilises his talents fully.
Oxlade-Chamberlain has scored 20 times in 194 appearances for Arsenal since his £12million switch from the Saints in 2011.
He also netted his sixth international goal in 26 games for England in their 2-2 draw with Scotland in a World Cup qualifier at Hampden Park on Saturday.
Klopp is determined to make a high-profile capture in the transfer market having been forced to withdraw his interest in Southampton's Virgil van Dijk and with his club still haggling over a fee with Roma for Mohamed Salah.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have been handed a major boost in their chase for Stefan de Vrij as the Dutch centre-back has told Lazio he will not sign a new contract, according to reports in Italy.
Corriere dello Sport claims that De Vrij has rejected Lazio’s proposal of a contract renewal and will not listen to any more offers from the Serie A club.
The 25-year-old’s current contract expires next summer and he is prepared to leave the Lazio on a free transfer if he is not sold during this transfer window.
Lazio, however, would prefer to recoup a fee the Netherlands international rather than letting him go for nothing next year.
Liverpool have reportedly already had a £17.2million bid for De Vrij turned down with Lazio valuing the player at £30million.
Source: Liverpool Echo
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