Arsenal would prefer Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to move to Chelsea rather than Liverpool, according to reports.
The 24-year-old is the subject of interest from both clubs, with Chelsea understood to have had a £35million bid accepted by Arsenal.
Liverpool also hold a firm interest, but their current offer is lower. However it’s reported that they will match Chelsea’s bid if Oxlade-Chamberlain makes it clear Merseyside is his preferred destination.
Arsenal favour Oxlade-Chamberlain moving to Chelsea as, according to The Telegraph, they perceive Liverpool as a more direct rival for a Champions League qualification place.
The Gunners may not get their wish however, with the England international understood to prefer a move to Anfield. The England international is thought to be worried he will be used as a wing-back at Stamford Bridge when he would prefer to play in central midfield.
Arsenal’s stance says much about how expectations behind the scenes at the Emirates are lowering, with the club seemingly already concentrating on a top four finish rather than pushing for the title.
It comes after a disastrous start to the season that has seen them lose two of their opening three games.
Arsenal's summer transfer activity
IN...
Alexandre Lacazette (£47m from Lyon), Sead Kolasinac (Free from Schalke)
OUT...
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (£40m to Liverpool), Wojciech Szczesny (£11m to Juventus), Gabriel (£10m to Valencia), Yaya Sanogo (Free to Toulouse), Carl Jenkinson (Loan to Birmingham), Cohen Bramall (Loan to Birmingham), Emiliano Martinez (Loan to Getafe)
Oxlade-Chamberlain will be a major loss, with the former Southampton player having started every match this season.
However with less than 12 months remaining on his contract, the Gunners believe £35million is too much to turn down.
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