Klopp is excited by Oxlade-Chamberlain’s potential

LIVERPOOL boss Jurgen Klopp believes Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain can finally reach his full potential after the 24-yearold sealed his move from Premier League rivals Arsenal yesterday.

The deal, for a reported £40million, will give the England international a chance to finally define a role for himself after six years in various positions for Arsenal.

“I hear a lot of talk about positions but let’s talk about the player,” Klopp told Liverpool’s website.

“He is someone with really good abilities who always gives everything for his team. A player that is positive and willing to take risks to try and make positive things happen.

“Already he is a very good player and I think he has the mentality and desire to get even better – that excites me.”

Oxlade-Chamberlain, the second England international to leave Arsenal in two days after left-back Kieran Gibbs joined West Bromwich Albion on Wednesday, has said he prefers a central midfield role, although his best spells at Arsenal have seen him play on the right side of midfield.

He will face tough competition at Anfield with Klopp boasting an abundance of midfield options, especially if Philippe Coutinho stays despite interest from Barcelona.

Liverpool also have England duo Adam Lallana and Jordan Henderson as well as Emre Can and Georginio Wijnaldum.

Klopp said Oxlade-Chamberlain, who made 132 league appearances for the Gunners, has always been a player he admired from when he was manager of Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund.

“I remember the first time I saw him play live – it was at Dortmund in 2014 and he came on as a sub that day and made a big impact,” Klopp said. “He stood out immediately because of his pace and skills and his attitude in such a big game.

“Since then I have followed him and when I heard it may be possible to sign him I didn’t need to think twice.”

Tottenham Hotspur completed the signing of Ivory Coast right-back Serge Aurier from French club Paris St Germain, the Premier League side said yesterday.

The deal for the 24-year-old, reported to be around 25m euros, had been in doubt because a criminal conviction had delayed Aurier’s work permit application.

The attack-minded Aurier will be a natural replacement for England right-back Kyle Walker who Tottenham sold to Manchester City for £50m in July.

Spurs also completed the signing of defender Juan Foyth from Argentina’s Estudiantes on Wednesday.

Spurs said the 19-year-old, reportedly a target for Paris St Germain, had signed a five-year deal France striker Kylian Mbappe has joined Paris St Germain on loan from AS Monaco with an option to buy the player at the end of the season, PSG said yesterday. "Paris Saint-Germain is delighted to announce the immediate arrival of Kylian Mbappe. The international French striker is transferred on a loan basis from AS Monaco until June 30 2018," the club said in a statement. "The loan agreement also includes a call option for Paris Saint-Germain which, when exercised, will bind the player to Paris Saint-Germain until June 30 2022."