Liverpool have reportedly informed Arsenal that they are unlikely to let Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain leave on the cheap.

The midfielder has been starved of regular game time at the Reds, and it has been reported that he could leave the club soon.

The Gunners are planning a surprise loan to buy proposal for the midfielder, but it appears that a move won't be straightforward.

The Reds paid £35 million up front for the England international in 2017 with an additional £5m for league and European success.

They are keen to recoup a large chunk of the transfer fee, as per The Sun. The Gunners won't be allowed to take advantage of the situation.

The Gunners are expected to be without Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny in January due to African Cup of Nations duty.

This would leave them with just Albert Sambi Lokonga and Ainsley Maitland-Niles as midfield options unless they pursue a new signing.

Granit Xhaka is currently out for three months with a knee injury. There are no assurances that he will be fit to play at the turn of the year.