Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is reportedly considering a surprise return to Arsenal after becoming frustrated at his lack of opportunities at Liverpool.
The 28-year-old midfielder scored 20 goals in 198 appearances during a six-year spell with the Gunners, but left four years ago for Anfield in a £35million move.
But The Sun claim the Southampton academy product is now weighing up bringing his injury-hit Reds career to an end and reuniting with his former team-mate Mikel Arteta at the Emirates Stadium.
Oxlade-Chamberlain - who is believed to earn £125,000 per week on a contract running until 2023 - made a total of 43 appearances for the Reds during their victorious Premier League campaign in 2019-20.
But after a knee injury ruled him out of action between August and December last year, he has made just four appearances for Jurgen Klopp's men and is reportedly seeking a fresh challenge as a result.
The same outlet claims the Gunners would be interested in bringing their former star back on a temporary basis with a view to a permanent deal in the summer.
The Sun also report Oxlade-Chamberlain maintains a good relationship with Arteta, with the duo helping Arsenal win back-to-back FA Cups in 2014 and 2015.
Oxlade-Chamberlain would also win the same trophy a few months prior to his move to the north west, but he now finds himself behind the likes of youngster Curtis Jones and the injured Harvey Elliott in the pecking order.
The 28-year-old has also scored seven goals in 35 England caps, although he has not represented Gareth Southgate's men since a win against Kosovo in November 2019.
He would not be the first midfielder to return to Arsenal in some capacity this season, with Jack Wilshere honing his fitness at London Colney as a free agent.
But while Wilshere's return is unlikely to result in a playing contract, Oxlade-Chamberlain could resurrect his stuttering career in north London given the Gunners' issues in midfield.
Granit Xhaka was ruled out for three months in September following a knee injury suffered in the north London derby, while Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny set to partake in the Africa Cup of Nations in January.
That leaves just summer signing Albert Sambi Lokonga, 21, and utility player Ainsley Maitland-Niles as central midfield options for Arteta.
Oxlade-Chamberlain has netted 14 goals in 109 appearances in a Liverpool career which has also seen him win the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.
