According to The Sun, Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is planning a move for Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain ahead of the 2017-18 campaign.
What’s the story?
It has been reported that Oxlade-Chamberlain has turned down Arsenal’s final contract offer as the England international prepares to leave the Emirates Stadium this summer.
The 23-year-old scored twice and registered seven assists in 29 Premier League appearances for the Gunners last season, but he struggled to hold down a regular position in Arsene Wenger’s first selection.
Liverpool and Manchester City are also believed to hold an interest in a player that has scored 20 times in 194 appearances for Arsenal since joining the club from Southampton in 2011.
However, according to The Sun, Chelsea boss Conte is becoming increasingly confident of completing a deal for the Englishman this summer, with Oxlade-Chamberlain’s ability to play in a number of positions making him a valuable asset.
Why are Chelsea so keen?
Well, aside from the fact that Oxlade-Chamberlain is a proven performer in the Premier League, there is the issue of clubs needing a certain number of home-grown players.
Indeed, teams can now only have 17 foreigners in their 25-man Premier League squad, and it is therefore no surprise that English players are currently moving for big money.
In a normal market, Arsenal could hold out for a big fee, but Oxlade-Chamberlain, who is rated at £18.7m by transermarkt.co.uk, will be out of contract at the end of the 2017-18 campaign, which places the Gunners in a tough position.
Behind the scenes, Arsenal are still said to be confident of signing the former Southampton youngster to a new contract, but Oxlade-Chamberlain is said to be determined to leave, and Chelsea could wait until next month to sign the midfielder in a cut-price deal.
Liverpool and Man City are expected to be a part of any bidding war that might occur, but Chelsea seem to be in pole position for Oxlade-Chamberlain ahead of the new season.