Chelsea are reportedly considering a £25m offer for Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain this summer, with the Blues looking to bolster their options after losing Nemanja Matic.
According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea have been targeting both the Ox and Leicester City’s Danny Drinkwater, both England internationals with contrasting playing styles, so it’s hard to pinpoint what the Blues are really looking for in the transfer market.
As per the report, Chelsea could bid £25m to sign Oxlade-Chamberlain ahead of the new season, even with the 23-year-old being out of contract in 12 months.
It’s believed the Premier League champions are keen to get their business done sooner rather than later, and they need to bolster their midfield after losing Nemanja Matic to Manchester United.
The Arsenal man made 29 Premier League appearances last season, but only 16 starts, and he played in a variety of positions, few of which were in his preferred central midfield role.
Oxlade-Chamberlain can drive with the ball from deep, he’s shown to have good vision in possession and he’s contributing more goals – nine scored and created in 16 league starts last season – but he can’t get a regular spot in the Arsenal side.
I doubt he would start in Chelsea’s midfield either, but he may just be keen for a new challenge with a new club. Liverpool have been linked all summer but their reported interest hasn’t led to a bid.