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Southampton could now secure free transfer deal to sign player who left Arsenal in 2017

Southampton could now bring a player Premier League fans know well back to England – and for free.

Russell Martin has already signed six players this summer after winning promotion from the Championship, as Adam Lallana, Ronnie Edwards, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Charlie Taylor, Nathan Wood and Rento Takaoka arrive at the St Mary’s Stadium.

Now, Southampton are lurking as they aim to complete another deal…

Southampton could sign Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for free

A story from in Turkey now states that Southampton are ready to make Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain an offer.

The Turkish news outlet believe Besiktas are in talks with the England international – who Arsenal sold to Liverpool in 2017 after signing him from Southampton in 2011 – about terminating his contract.

Oxlade-Chamberlain endured a tough 2023/24 campaign with the Super Lig outfit, missing 17 games with a torn thigh muscle, while only scoring four goals in the 30 appearances he did manage to make.

Besiktas v Hatayspor - Turkish Super League
Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/DeFodi Images via Getty Images

Takvim state that Southampton are waiting for the outcome of talks between the 30-year-old and Besiktas, and will make their academy graduate an offer if he does become a free agent.

Oxlade-Chamberlain made 43 appearances for Southampton before joining Arsenal, scoring ten goals while also providing nine assists.

Pay cut needed

It would be a very romantic move from Southampton to bring Oxlade-Chamberlain back to the south coast, having already completed a sentimental deal in re-signing Lallana this summer.

However, Southampton would be foolish to sign the Besiktas No.15 on his current terms, as he is being paid by the Turkish giants.

Southampton v Walsall - npower League One
Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images

That represents an expensive outlay for Southampton, and there are also no guarantees that Oxlade-Chamberlain will be fully fit for most of the 2024/25 campaign, based on his struggles last season.

READ MORE: Southampton also keen to sign player Gary Lineker called the “new Messi” for free as talks held

Therefore, Southampton must negotiate a pay cut if talks to sign the Portsmouth-born midfielder progress, especially amid a time where the Premier League are clamping down on Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).