The odds of Chelsea nabbing the signature of Arsenal star Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have shortened following the latest reports in the media.
According to The Telegraph, the Premier League champions are confident that they can convince the England international to move to Stamford Bridge as he is yet to sign a new contract with Arsenal.
The publication claims that the 24-year-old held talks with manager Arsene Wenger on Thursday to discuss the offer of a £180,000-a-week deal, which is more than double his current salary.
Oxlade-Chamberlain has reportedly told Wenger that he will not sign a new deal, which could pave the way for Antonio Conte’s Chelsea to snatch a £35m transfer.
The bookies believe that a move to West London is a possibility, with Sky Bet shortening odds from 3/1 to 5/2 on Chelsea getting their man.
The Gunners remain 4/7 favourites to keep hold of Oxlade-Chamberlain, but if the player is still unwilling to put pen to paper on a fresh deal, then Arsenal have a big decision to make.
The former Southampton star, who has started at wing-back for the club’s first two Premier League games, has just one year remaining on his current contract, which means that Arsenal risk losing him for nothing next summer.
Oxlade-Chamberlain joined the North London club from the Saints as a 17-year-old, but has only in the last year or so, seriously challenged for a first-team spot.
As mentioned, he has been in the first XI for the opening two league matches, but the attack-minded player started just 16 top-flight games last season.