Arsene Wenger says Arsenal’s need to sell prompted Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s £35m move to Liverpool.

The Gunners chief said: "We wish him well and all the best.

"At the end of the day, you make decisions and we had to sell somebody.

"Overall, I feel that we are in a strong financial situation today and have a good enough squad to compete.”

Sam Allardyce has suggested that Liverpool made a mistake in not sending teen sensation Ben Woodburn out on loan this season.

Allardyce said: “I think it’s about protection now - protecting him from all the media and all the hype that may come his way and try to keep him level-headed and keep his feet on the game.

"Hopefully, he gets more game time for Liverpool because Jurgen has kept him.

"Maybe a loan out might have been better for him to get first-team experience.”

Wantaway Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho has returned to Melwood to begin training following the international break.

The Brazilian handed in a transfer request last month in an attempt to force through a move to Barcelona, who had three bids rejected for the 25-year-old.

He has not played a match for the Reds this term because of a reported back injury.

But having played twice for Brazil last week, Coutinho was at the club's training base this morning ahead of Saturday’s clash against Manchester City.