Chelsea are ready to make a final push in the transfer window and expect to complete deals for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Danny Drinkwater before Thursday’s deadline, according to Goal.
Antonio Conte is keen to increase his English contingent at Stamford Bridge after failing to field one home-grown player in their last two games.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, the versatile Arsenal and England star, has emerged as a top target for the Blues and appears to be pushing for a summer move.
Having rejected the most recent contract offer from Arsenal chiefs, Oxlade-Chamberlain is said to be keen on a move to Chelsea as he bids to further his career and develop as a player.
Liverpool were said to be rivalling Chelsea for the 24-year-old’s signature with Jurgen Klopp a keen admirer of the player who joined the Gunners six years ago.
But Goal say Conte faces little competition for Oxlade-Chamberlain as Liverpool, who beat Arsenal 4-0 on Sunday, have cooled their interest.
It is believed the move will cost the Premier League champions around £35million and Oxlade-Chamberlain will expect to put pen to paper on a deal worth £150,000-a-week.
The former Southampton star was helpless to prevent Arsenal’s 4-0 capitulation at Anfield over the weekend and Jamie Carragher believes players like Oxlade-Chamberlain and Alexis Sanchez should be looking to move before the window closes.
‘They shouldn’t be staying,’ the former Liverpool and England defender told Sky Sports.
‘In the last 10 years it’s always been the same movie. From the top to the bottom, there’s a lack of ruthlessness at the club.’
Chelsea are also making progress in their pursuit of Danny Drinkwater and believe Leicester City are only delaying a sale while they search for a replacement.
The 27-year-old has developed into a key player for the Foxes since signing from Manchester United in 2012 and is valued at around £40m by Leicester.
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