Sky Sports pundit and ex-Manchester United defender, Danny Higginbotham, claims that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain doesn’t want to play wing-back when he completes his reported move to Chelsea.

At Arsenal, the Ox has been moved around all over the pitch from left wing, to right flank, to most recently wing-back and Higginbotham claims that, if he completes his move to Chelsea, he doesn’t want to repeat this. Although he might have to.

“If you look at Chelsea, I don’t think he wants to play right wing-back,” the former defender said.

“He talks about wanting to play in midfield. Look at the way Chelsea play with Kante, Matic, Bakayoko and Fabregas plays there every now and again.

“In an ideal world, Conte attacks with a five and defends with a five, with two defensive midfielders.

“Does he fit into that defensive role? I don’t think so.

“If he goes to a club like Chelsea, he’ll be looking at one of those two or three behind the frontman. I think that’s how he sees it.

“I still believe that I would want him going forward rather than defending, either on the left or right wing.”

The Ox has always spoken about his preference for playing centrally. It’s where he’s looked his best. However, since signing for Arsenal from Southampton in 2011, he’s only played as a central or attacking midfielder 29 times.

After the Gunners won the FA Cup against Chelsea in May, the 24-year-old spoke about wanting to be Steven Gerrard – Liverpool’s legendary midfielder. Therefore, while the Ox is reportedly expected to receive a massive wage deal – £220k-per-week – he can say it’s all about wanting to play in his preferred position. ‘Footballing reasons’ and all that.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2IkFiq-1R4

But will he really get that at Chelsea?

It seems that Antonio Conte wants to play the Ox as a wing-back in order to give Victor Moses some competition. And Moses has made that position his own since moving there from the wing last season. Therefore, the Ox might have to become reacquainted with the bench.

Chelsea and Arsenal are said to have agreed a fee of £35m.