Plymouth Argyle worry raised as Oxford United join Charlton Athletic transfer chase | OneFootball

Fears raised with regards to Plymouth Argyle's pursuit of Alex Mitchell, amid reports of Oxford United interest in the defender.

Plymouth Argyle narrowly missed out on the top six and the League One play-off places in the second-half of last season but they will be expected to compete once again.

Following their relegation from the Championship in the 2024/25 campaign, Tom Cleverley endured a difficult first-half to his debut season at Home Park.

The former Watford boss did eventually get things to turn around in Devon, though, helping Plymouth push towards the play-offs towards the end of the campaign.

They did miss out on the top six in the end but there is a belief that this summer could see them create a squad that will challenge for promotion back to the second-tier once more.

They do, though, apparently face a fight to try and re-sign key defender Alex Mitchell.

Oxford could be better positioned to lure Alex Mitchell than Plymouth

Having won the Supporters’ Player of the Year award at Home Park last season, Charlton Athletic loanee Alex Mitchell is the natural subject of interest from The Pilgrims once again.

However, as exclusively revealed by the Football League World, Argyle face competition from Oxford United, who have just come down from the Championship and FLW’s Plymouth Fan Pundit Luke Hodge is fearful of the U’s pursuit of the defender.

Luke says: “Both teams probably think there is a strong chance of getting Mitchell.

“Starting with Argyle, obviously coming down and playing down here, he openly admitted he loved playing down here and got Supporters Player of the Year.

“So, he knows everything about Argyle. He knows about the supporters, he knows he is wanted here – that’s a big advantage.

“However, rumours have been circulating that he is keen to stay in and around the central area. Therefore, Oxford have a massive advantage in that given where we are, absolutely miles away from everybody.

“On top of that, then you are talking money. Money does talk and it depends on what we can offer him compared to what Oxford can offer him.

“I really hope the advantage is still with us regarding his time with Argyle last season. It’s still a deal I’d like to see get done sooner rather than later if possible. I guess only time will tell.”

Alex Mitchell shone at Plymouth in League One

Having come through the academy at Millwall, Alex Mitchell spent time out on loan from The Den at Bromley, Leyton Orient, Saint Johnstone and Lincoln City before landing at Charlton Athletic in the summer of 2024.

The 24-year-old centre-back helped The Addicks gain promotion back to the second-tier in the 2024/25 campaign before being deemed surplus to requirements at The Valley last summer.

Out on loan back in League One, Mitchell was excellent for Plymouth as he played 40 of their 46 league games, key to their back three shape where he had previously impressed in South London.

Mitchell topped the list for defensive contributions per 90 for Plymouth, with 13.6 per game and a total of 530, with 10.7 clearances per 90 and 0.7 blocks per 90.

In terms of his ability on the ball, Mitchell also rated ranked highly with only Brendan Galloway, Brendan Sarpong-Wiredu and Matthias Ross completing more passes per 90 in a Plymouth shirt.

Lorent Tolaj finished as the club’s top scorer after his move from Port Vale last summer and the striker is the only man to have a higher average match rating by FotMob.

Mitchell would again be an excellent signing as Plymouth seek to pick up where they left off this season but the geographical lure of Oxford poses stiff competition for The Pilgrims.