Jurgen Klopp has been tracking new Liverpool signing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for three years

Alex Young @alexwsyoung31 August 2017

Jurgen Klopp revealed he has been following Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain since 2014 after the midfielder completed a £40m move to Liverpool.

The 24-year-old rejected a new contract at Arsenal, reportedly worth in excess of £150,000-a-week, to allow the Reds to seal a £40million deadline day deal.

Standard Sport understands Oxlade-Chamberlain agreed a lower weekly wage, of £120,000-a-week, at Anfield and Klopp is delighted to secure the player's signature.

"I am really, really happy we have got Alex signed," Klopp told the club's official website. "Since the last game I have been waiting and hoping we could make this transfer - and when I got the news he was ours it was fantastic.

"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. He stood out immediately because of his pace and skills and his attitude in such a big game for a young player; I remember him chasing back to make a brilliant challenge on Mkhitaryan in the box to save a certain goal.

"We won that game but lost the return match at Arsenal when he started and played well, I think he hit the post. Since then I have followed him and when I heard it may be possible to sign him I didn't need to think twice."

Oxlade-Chamberlain is understood to have rejected Chelsea, who also had a deal worth £40m accepted, over concerns of a lack of central-midfield option, allowing Klopp to swoop in.

In Pictures | Liverpool unveil Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain | 31/07/2017

1/11

The manager added: "I hear a lot of talk about positions but let's talk about the player; 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.

"He may still be young but he has a lot of experience in the Premier League, Champions League and for his country. Already he is a very, very good player and I think he has the mentality and desire to get even better - and that excites me.

"This is someone making a tough decision to leave one great club and come to another great club and I think he had many options, so to get him means I am delighted.

"He didn't make an easy decision but I think he made a great one to go on this journey with this squad of talented boys and our great supporters. I welcome him to the Liverpool family."