Sticking to his guns: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is determined to secure more playing time

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is preparing to wait out his contract and leave Arsenal on a free transfer next summer, after rejecting a take-it-or-leave-it offer from the club.

The young England attacker was offered a significant wage increase to extend his deal at the Emirates but declined - because his priority is playing time, rather than improving his terms.

Liverpool were rebuffed when they made a direct approach to Arsenal to discuss Oxlade-Chamberlain’s availability, earlier this week, leaving all parties at an impasse. Oxlade-Chamberlain is attracted by the idea of playing for Jurgen Klopp, given Klopp’s record with developing the attacking gifts of players such as Adam Lallana, Gini Wijnaldum and Sadio Mane.

At 23, he is most eager to nail down a regular role in a