Leeds United named as potential destination for former Arsenal man who’s set to have contract terminated

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Leeds United could be about to pull off a very shrewd attacking signing for a former England and Premier League player who could be available on a free transfer.

Leeds United are certainly in need of more attacking signings before the summer transfer window shuts on September 1st.

So far this summer, Daniel Farke has signed seven new players but only one of them has been an attacker which is striker Lukas Nmecha who looks set to play a backup role next season.

Strikers are certainly needed at Elland Road with Mateo Joseph looking set to leave Leeds United along with Patrick Bamford. But there are also spots on the wing that need to be filled before the start of the new season after Manor Salomon returned to Spurs following his loan spell at Leeds United last season.

There have been a number of names linked with a move to West Yorkshire with one such name being Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Now it looks as though the former Liverpool and Arsenal man could be on his way back to England and with Leeds United.

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Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain close to leaving Besiktas amid Leeds United links

Oxlade-Chamberlain has been in a pretty difficult position with Besiktas in Turkey. The 31-year-old joined the Turkish side back in 2023, but he’s failed to make an impression and he’s now fallen out of favour with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Earlier in the summer, it was claimed that Leeds United had made an offer to sign Oxlade-Chamberlain. Then, last month, reports coming out of Turkey revealed that Oxlade-Chamberlain was set to become a free agent having had his contract terminated with Besiktas.

After some back and forth, that now seems to be the case. The Sun are reporting that Oxlade-Chamberlain is set to have his contract terminated with Besiktas after holding crunch talks with the club, which have resulted in him having the remainder of his contract paid in full.

Interestingly, The Sun add that Leeds is one possible destination for Oxlade-Chamberlain, who is understood to be keen on a return to England this summer.

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Leeds United told not to sign Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain this summer

The 31-year-old, 35-cap former England man certainly brings a wealth of experience. He has 235 games in the Premier League and 20 goals, having played on some of the biggest stages in club and world football.

However, the problem with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has always been his injury record. Speaking earlier in the summer, pundit Carlton Palmer urged Leeds United to avoid signing Oxlade-Chamberlain because of his patchy injury record.

Palmer explained: “I think he’s been a terrific player over the years. His major problems have been his injuries, and that’s unfortunate. That’s stopped him being able to play. A fantastic footballer, I really like the way he plays.”

Palmer went on to add: “He’s not going to come cheap. I think he’s a fantastic player, but he’s not fit enough. He’s not going to hit the ground running. He picks up an injury and that’s the end of that. So, it’s not good business.”

For Farke, Oxlade-Chamberlain could be a useful addition if the wage is right, but he can’t be someone who is relied on every weekend. He needs someone to replace the goals and assists of Salomon before the end of the summer window.