Chelsea may have already spent over £100 million strengthening their Premier League title winning squad, this summer, but manager Antonio Conte is still not satisfied with his board's transfer dealings and is determined to force through more moves before transfer deadline day.
One of which is for Arsenal midfielder, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
According to the Daily Mail, the Blues have made an opening offer of £25 million for the England international, who only has a year left on his contract at the Emirates stadium.
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Oxlade-Chamberlain could soon be making the trip across London to play for the Premier League champions. Image: PA
Oxlade-Chamberlain's future has been a subject of much discussion since the end of last season, with Liverpool, Manchester United and West Ham all being credited with an interest in the 23-year-old.
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While the Mail's report claims that Arsenal have dismissed Chelsea's initial interest in the former Southampton youngster, it isn't believed their unwillingness to sell to one of their closest rivals will deter the Blues from securing a deal for Oxlade-Chamberlain, who Conte wants to operate as a wing-back in his much lauded 3-4-3 formation.
Oxlade-Chamberlain has recently been used as a wing-back by Arsene Wenger, which is believed to have caused Conte to step up his interest in bringing The Ox to Stamford Bridge.
Antonio Conte is reported to have become infuriated with the Chelsea board's lack of progress on transfers, this summer. Image: PA
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With Oxlade-Chamberlain allowed to discuss terms with any club interested in him, in January, ahead of a move next summer, Arsenal may be forced into selling the England international this summer in order to avoid losing him for nothing.
The Gunners are also currently facing the same dilemma with Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil, both of whom have also refused to commit their futures to the North London club amid interest from other clubs.
Since arriving at the Emirates stadium from Southampton in 2011, Oxlade-Chamberlain has failed to establish himself as a first team regular under Arsene Wenger, despite his potential.
Oxlade-Chamberlain has struggled to establish himself as a first choice starter for Arsene Wenger, with almost half his league appearances coming as a substitute. Image: PA
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Used in a variety of positions, The Ox hasn't cemented himself as a first team starter in six years with the Gunners, having made 83 of his 195 appearances from the bench. The 23-year-old has scored 20 times during that time and helped the club lift three FA Cups.
(H/T Daily Mail)
Topics: Chelsea, Football, Arsenal, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain