Leeds to add Premier League experience with transfer for player training under Mikel Arteta
Daniel Farke will hope Leeds United are busy in the winter transfer window for his sake.
The Whites have shown signs of life in recent matches, with the Elland Road faithful witnessing a miraculous comeback against Liverpool in the Premier League on 6 December as the German manager secured a point in the 3-3 draw.
Farke will believe he’s done enough for Paraag Marathe’s backing, with speculation rife about his future in recent weeks.
The West Yorkshire outfit are involved in a tense relegation battle, and the 49-year-old head coach should be backed if he continues in LS11.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain raring to go amid Leeds United interest
Leeds were interested in Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in the summer, but a deal didn’t end up materialising.
The former Arsenal and Liverpool midfielder has since been relieved of his contract at Besiktas and is currently a free agent.
With the 32-year-old currently without a club, he’s been training with the Gunners, under the watchful eye of Per Mertesacker and Mikel Arteta.
Speaking to The Athletic on 10 December, Oxlade-Chamberlain said: “I want to play. I’m not ready to call it quits by any means. I don’t feel old. I’ve still got that hunger to play and do well. I just want the opportunity to show what I can still do.”
The midfielder added: “I feel like I can add value on the pitch but also show the right way to train, the right way to act on and off the pitch. I’m in the bracket now where I’ve been lucky enough to play for top clubs, win things and work with top managers. I know a lot more now than I did when I started out.”
Oxlade-Chamberlain has expressed his desire to stay in England, but it remains to be seen what the future holds for him.
Daniel Farke needs Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain after injury latest at Elland Road
Sean Longstaff picked up an injury at Leeds recently, and the midfielder could potentially be out until a week into January.
Farke has been reluctant to bring players back into the starting lineup after their fitness issues, as has been seen with Daniel James and Wilfried Gnonto at Elland Road.
It wouldn’t be surprising to see Longstaff not be considered fully fit for a considerable period, leading to the need for reinforcements in the middle of the park.
Oxlade-Chamberlain may be able to provide a short-term solution to the West Yorkshire outfit’s concerns, and he won’t even cost much as a free agent.
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