Arsenal star had crazy clause added into his contract that saw £10,000 payment if he played over 20 minutes

The 20-Minute Mystery: Why Oxlade-Chamberlain Rarely Completed Games at Arsenal

Arsenal fans were left scratching their heads for years as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, a talented young midfielder, consistently came on as a substitute. Now, a bizarre contract clause might explain the limited playing time.

According to a report in Alan Gernon's book "The Transfer Market: The Inside Stories," Southampton, Oxlade-Chamberlain's former club, received a cool £10,000 every time the midfielder played more than 20 minutes for Arsenal. This hidden detail sheds light on why Oxlade-Chamberlain, despite showing flashes of brilliance, rarely completed full matches during his stint with the Gunners.

Imagine the frustration of Arsenal supporters, who saw a promising player seemingly restricted by an obscure financial agreement. The news has left former footballers like Peter Crouch and Steve Sidwell bewildered, calling the clause "madness."

Oxlade-Chamberlain eventually left Arsenal for Liverpool in 2017, where he flourished and secured major trophies like the Premier League and Champions League. This hidden clause adds another layer to his Arsenal story, highlighting the complexities of transfer negotiations and the unexpected factors that can influence playing time.