Liverpool round-up: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain value decided; Joel Matip wants Champions League; Virgil Van Dijk boost

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Goal believe that Liverpool are intent on pursuing a summer move for Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, but, contrary to previous reports, will not meet the £35 million asking price set by the Gunners for the England international who is thought to be open to a move away from the Emirates.

The latest reports suggest that the Reds would only be prepared to pay up to £20 million for the winger, who has also played in a central midfield position on a number of occasions this season under Arsene Wenger, and could provide depth and may even be a like for like substitute for Adam Lallana at the front of the midfield three.

Their chase for Oxlade-Chamberlain would be boosted if they can secure Champions League football next season by achieving a top four finish in the Premier League this campaign, something which defender Joel Matip is desperate to achieve as he told Sky Sports:

“A club like Liverpool belongs in the Champions League, so we will fight to stay or get there. With all its trophies and history, it is one of the biggest clubs, everybody knows this.

“Big history, big club. Everybody knows something about Liverpool, it speaks for itself, this is Liverpool. It is such a great club with this history.

“I want to play in the Champions League because then you play against the biggest teams and the biggest players and everybody will enjoy this.”

The former Schalke man has recently returned to the side after a number of knocks and injury  concerns and has been in impressive form since re-establishing himself at the heart of Jurgen Klopp’s defence.

He could be joined there next season by Southampton centre-back Virgil Van Dijk, who has been linked with a move to Anfield in recent days, and Liverpool’s hopes of bringing him to the club have been boosted, according to the Sun, as they claim that the Saints have lined up Leeds defender Pontus Jansson as his replacement.

The south coast club are hoping to hold onto their key man but may be persuaded to sell in if a sizeable bid is made by Liverpool or another big Premier League club, and if a replacement is already being targeted then it could be key to Liverpool’s hopes of bringing Van Dijk to Merseyside.

Featured Image: All rights reserved by Emrah Partal.