Arsenal star Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been linked with a move to Chelsea
The Premier League champions saw an initial £25m offer rebuffed by Arsenal, but Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is a massive fan of the England midfielder and is determined to recruit him before the transfer window closes.
Conte sees Oxlade-Chamberlain’s versatility as either a right winger or wing back as a valuable addition to a squad that he feels is currently understrength, with Champions League football looming.
Oxlade-Chamberlain has only one year left on his current Arsenal deal and can leave for nothing at the end of next season.
It is understood that the 23 year old has told Gunners manager Arsene Wenger that he is ready for a change, though the Frenchman would like him to stay.
The club knows very well my opinion and my idea about this issue
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte
Chelsea have so far spent more than £130m this summer bringing in Alvaro Morata, Tiemoue Bakayoko, Antonio Rudiger and Willy Caballero - but Conte has been adamant that he needs more players in order to defend the title and mount Champions League campaign.
The Stamford Bridge club are also in talks with Leicester over a £30m deal for England midfielder Danny Drinkwater, as they try to strengthen the home grown contingent in their squad. Leicester are adamant they do not want to sell, but Drinkwater is keen on the move.
Chelsea have also tabled a £27m offer for Paris Saint-Germain full-back Serge Aurier.
Conte said: “The club knows very well my opinion and my idea about this issue. For us it’s very important to improve our squad and our quality. We have one more competition and we need to improve.”
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
