Chelsea are reportedly ready to open talks with Arsenal over the transfer of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain after the midfielder told Arsene Wenger he will not sign the new contract that has been offered to him.
The 23-year-old England international has entered the final year of his existing deal at the Emirates and could be in line for a move away from the Emirates this summer as a new deal has yet to be agreed.
The Gunners are keen to tie Oxlade-Chamberlain down to an improved deal, but t’s been reported that he has yet to receive an offer to his liking to remain at the Emirates this summer.
Sky Sports News suggests Antonio Conte has been monitoring the midfielder’s situation at Arsenal and is preparing to make a move for him in the upcoming weeks when the Gunners return from their pre-season tour next week.
Since joining Arsenal from Southampton in 2011, ‘The Ox’ has struggled to hold down a regular place in Wenger’s side.
The midfielder was one of Arsenal’s better performers in the second half of last season where he impressed in the right wing-back role, but he sees his future in the centre of midfield.
Chelsea have since signed Tiemoue Bakayoko from Monaco to partner N’Golo Kante, so should the Blues be successful in signing Oxlade-Chamberlain then he may have to settle for the wing-back role, where he would compete with the likes of Victor Moses and Marcos Alonso.
Liverpool and Manchester City have also been linked with the versatile Gunner this summer, but it appears Chelsea are leading the race for his signature.
