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

A former Arsenal star reportedly had a crazy clause included in his contract when he signed for the club.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain joined Arsenal in 2011, with the North London outfit paying an initial £12 million as well as a further £3 million in add-ons.

He arrived as a highly-rated 17-year-old from Southampton and went on to play 198 times for the Gunners, winning three FA Cups.

But 80 of those appearances were as a substitute, with the midfielder regularly coming off the bench.

However, it seems as though there was a reason for it. As per Alan Gernon‘ in 'The Transfer Market: The Inside Stories', a clause in the deal stated that Southampton would net an extra £10,000 every time he played more than 20 minutes.

The book states: "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."

Image: Getty

On an episode of Peter Crouch's podcast, he and Steve Sidwell were left stunned after being informed of the alleged clause.

Sidwell asked, “Is this real? Hold on, every 20 minutes?”, before Crouch added: “That is madness.”

Oxlade-Chamberlain left Arsenal for Liverpool in a £35 million switch, winning the Premier League, Champions League and Carabao Cup.

After his contract expired, the 30-year-old signed for Turkish giants Besiktas in the summer, penning a three-year deal.

He played 30 times as they won the Turkish Cup in his first season. They also finished in sixth place in the league, taking 56 points from 38 games.