Chelsea are closing in on a £35million deal to sign Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain from London rivals Arsenal, according to the Evening Standard.
Antonio Conte is putting pressure on the Chelsea board to secure more signings following a frustrating transfer window and an opening-day defeat to Burnley.
A midfielder remains a top priority for the reigning champions despite Tiemoue Bakayoko’s arrival at Stamford Bridge from Monaco.
Nemanja Matic was allowed to join rivals Manchester United for £40million and Conte admitted his departure marked a ‘great loss’ for the club.
But Chelsea are making progress in their pursuit of Oxlade-Chamberlain as Conte has been given encouragement that a deal is possible, according to the Standard.
While a fee is yet to be agreed, it is claimed the England international is open to the move with Conte ready to offer him a starting place ahead of Victor Moses.
Liverpool and Manchester City have also expressed strong interest in the 23-year-old this summer as talks over a contract extension have stalled.
However, Conte’s Chelsea are said to be in pole position to sign the former Southampton star with Wenger now considering a sale to trim his first-team squad.
Speaking after the shock 3-2 loss to Burnley on Saturday, Conte insisted the club were working on further deals.
‘The club are trying to do their best,’ said the Italian. ‘I am not worried, I am ready to fight with these players.
‘I repeat: It is important for us to concentrate on our work, to be focused every day in training and to try to work in our best way. No excuses.’
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