Chelsea have reportedly made an improved bid for Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain ahead of the new season, with manager Antonio Conte said to be a big fan of the Englishman.
According to the Daily Star, Chelsea have offered Arsenal £35m for the 23-year-old, who will be out of contract next summer. The Blues were linked with a £25m bid just days previously but are stepping up their interest to ensure they beat other suitors to his signature.
It’s unknown what Oxlade-Chamberlain’s thoughts of joining Chelsea are, but the English international did appear keen to join Liverpool when news of their interest broke. The Merseysiders are still believed to be in the running to procure his signature, but Chelsea’s approach could see them edge out the Reds.
Arsene Wenger has so far failed to tie the former Southampton midfielder down to a new contract at the Emirates Stadium, with suggestions that a lack of starts and being utilised as a wing-back rather than central midfielder is the reason he’s keen to leave the club.
Arsenal’s stance with Oxlade-Chamberlain is to keep him until his deal runs out, with the hope of convincing him to sign a new contract during the season. He still made 29 Premier League appearances in 2016/17, scoring and creating nine goals in 16 starts.
If the Gunners are offered £35m for a midfielder who, while useful and talented, is still not a regular in the starting lineup, I’d say they should consider selling.