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Would Arsenal’s The Ox get starts at Manchester City?

By Nathan Reynolds

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 25: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain of Arsenal celebrates scoring his sides first goal during the EFL Cup fourth round match between Arsenal and Reading at Emirates Stadium on October 25, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 25: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain of Arsenal celebrates scoring his sides first goal during the EFL Cup fourth round match between Arsenal and Reading at Emirates Stadium on October 25, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /
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With a rumored connection to Manchester City this summer, would Arsenal’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have a shot to start at the club?

Manchester City and Pep Guardiola, much like Arsenal, love flair players. Offensive minded, who can play with the ball at their feet, but also understand the need to track back and defend. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain fits well into this category, and has multiple seasons of EPL experience now.

The Mirror has a summer transfer window rumor about the Ox being linked to either Manchester City and Everton. While this is clearly just a rumor at this point, looking at the idea begs the question of how well he would fit in at City.

A look at his career to date

At only 23, Alex already has 121 appearances in the Premier League. Across competitions, and including his two years with the senior team at Southampton, he has 223 career appearances and 30 goals.

His goal ratio is a bit low, but that is partially due to his time as a defensive midfielder. 24 caps for England and two FA Cup victories, round out an already impressive career for such a young age.

BURTON-UPON-TRENT, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 04: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in action during an England training session at St George’s Park on October 4, 2016 in Burton-upon-Trent, England. (Photo by Michael Regan – The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
BURTON-UPON-TRENT, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 04: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in action during an England training session at St George’s Park on October 4, 2016 in Burton-upon-Trent, England. (Photo by Michael Regan – The FA/The FA via Getty Images) /

Talented, but a place?

Valued at $20-25 million, a move away from Arsenal would likely cost closer to the $30 range, given his age. The question on a fit at City is down to position. If he wants a more attacking role, then there is a very low likelihood. With Kevin De Bruyne, Jesús Navas, Leroy Sané, David Silva and Raheem Sterling all in similar places, he would likely battle Sane for 4th choice.

However, a defensive midfielder there may be a good match. Yaya still doesn’t have a new contract and Fernandinho is now moving into the backline. A pairing between Ilkay Gundogan and Oxlade-Chamberlain, would like strong, fast and young.

Next: Empire or Silverware: The dynamic between Manchester City and United

His place has been up and down at Arsenal, and with a contract up next summer, has to decide if the next three to four years are secured at the Emirates or if a move to somewhere like the Etihad is more attractive.