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Liverpool have made their move for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Anfield chiefs' direct enquiry to Arsenal represents the first step in trying to pull off a remarkable transfer coup for the £25million-rated England international.

And although the Gunners rebuffed that first approach, they could be ready to sell Oxlade-Chamberlain as his contract talks have ground to a frustrating halt.

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp is a known long-time admirer, and wants the 23-year-old in his squad. Manchester City and Chelsea are also watching developments closely, but the Reds are trying to steal a march on their Premier League rivals.

Oxlade-Chamberlain has one year left on his current deal and while discussions about an extension has begun, there has not been much progress.

(Image: Action Images via Reuters)

There is now a growing feeling the midfielder’s future may lie elsewhere, which would be a huge blow to Arsenal.

They are keen to tie down Oxlade-Chamberlain and star duo Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez to new deals, but none of the three is close to agreeing terms.

(Image: Arsenal FC)

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Man City and Bayern Munich both want striker Sanchez, while midfielder Ozil could run down his contract which expires next summer, and leave on a big-money free transfer.

Arsenal will be anxious that does not also happen with Oxlade-Chamberlain, which increases the likelihood of him leaving in the present transfer window, and they gave Liverpool little encouragement when the approach was made.

(Image: PA)

Relations between the two clubs over transfers have been frosty since the Londoners' botched attempt to sign Reds hero Luis Suarez in 2013.

It was even reported that Liverpool inserted a clause in Roberto Firmino’s contract which prevents him joining the Gunners — even if they match his buy-out clause.

(Image: Getty)

Yet if the Reds come up with the best price and it is clear that Oxlade-Chamberlain will not re-sign, then Arsenal could be forced into selling the former Southampton starlet.

They have been trying to do a raft of contract negotiations, with the likes of midfielder Jack Wilshere, left-back Kieran Gibbs and reserve goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny all having one year left.