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According to reports, Arsenal were forced to pay Southampton £10,000 every time Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain played over 20 minutes.
The 25-year-old swapped the Emirates for Anfield in the summer of 2017 after joining Liverpool for £35million.
Oxlade-Chamberlain had thrived under Jurgen Klopp’s stewardship, but a cruciate knee ligament injury has seen him sidelined since April.
During his Arsenal tenure, Arsene Wenger regularly utilised the Englishman as an impact substitute.
Of his 132 Premier League appearances for Arsenal, Chamberlain came on as a sub a whopping 64 times.
Football writer Alan Gernon has lifted the lid on the reason in his book, The Transfer Market: The Inside Stories.
He writes: “Following Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s move to Arsenal in 2011, Gunners fans became increasingly frustrated with the midfielder’s lack of playing time.
“He was predominantly used as a substitute, often around the 71-minute mark.
“After his contract details emerged, it all became clear: Arsenal were obliged to pay Southampton £10,000 every time he played 20 minutes or more.”
