Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in Community Shield action (Getty)

Chelsea are stepping up their interest in Arsenal star Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, according to reports.

The Blues are desperate for new additions and the England international has been identified as a suitable recruit for the season ahead.

Antonio Conte has made it abundantly clear he’s unhappy with the club’s lack of progress in the transfer window, with his side arguably looking weaker than they did at the end of last season.

Diego Costa is set to leave and Nemanja Matic, John Terry and Nathan Ake have already gone.

Antonio Rudiger, Tiemoue Bakayoko and Alvaro Morata have arrived but do so without any Premier League experience.

Conte is understood to be an admirer (Getty)

Oxlade-Chamberlain is not only deemed of the quality required – but a deal looks highly possible.

The 23-year-old has less than 12 months to run on his contract, putting Arsenal in a precarious position.

Arsene Wenger wants to retain the former Southampton player, however he risks losing him for nothing next summer.

A fee in the region of £25million has been mooted.

The Ox in action against Chelsea (Getty)

However the Daily Mail, who report the intensifying interest from Chelsea, claim that Arsenal have already rebuffed interest in Oxlade-Chamberlain that they’ve received so far.

Liverpool have also been linked with The Ox, who has found himself used in wing-back roles recently.

The player himself recently ‘liked’ a comment on Instagram suggesting he is on the verge of a move to Anfield.

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