Antonio Conte believes he can help Arsenal star Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain become a world-class wing-back at Chelsea, reports say.
The Blues boss expressed interest in the England international earlier in the summer, with Oxlade-Chamberlain rejecting an offer to extend his contract at the Emirates.
Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool are also keeping tabs on the situation as Oxlade-Chamberlain enters the final year of his contract in north London.
The 23-year-old was said to be growing frustrated during the 2016-17 campaign after only starting 16 Premier League games and was coming around to the idea of sealing a summer switch.
According to the Daily Express, Conte’s interest stems from his belief in turning Oxlade-Chamberlain into a top class wing-back.
Despite starting his career at Arsenal as an attacking midfielder, the former Southampton star took on the role several times last season and impressed Conte.
The Italian boss is looking to bolster his options in the wing-back position and is also keeping a close eye on Juventus’ Alex Sandro and former Blue Ryan Bertrand.
The Premier League champions were willing to spend over £60million on Italian Sandro, but Massimiliano Allegri said on Monday that he would be staying put.
‘Alex is a Juve player,’ Allegri said during Juventus’ pre-season tour of America. ‘He is sensational and he will not leave.’
Meanwhile, Conte is reportedly eyeing a move for Leicester and England midfielder Danny Drinkwater after Nemanja Matic completed his move to Manchester United.
Chelsea were happy to sell Matic to their rivals but Conte hopes a part of his £40million transfer fee can be spent on a new arrival.
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