Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is reportedly open to the idea of joining Arsenal’s London rivals Chelsea this summer, with Antonio Conte ready to sanction a £35million bid for his services.
Blues boss Conte is a huge admirer of the 23-year-old England international and hopes to complete a deal before the window closes.
Oxlade-Chamberlain was heavily linked with a move to Liverpool earlier in the summer after his contract talks with Arsenal broke down.
The versatile star has just one year remaining on his current contract at the Emirates and is still no nearer to agreeing terms over an extension.
The Daily Star say Premier League champions Chelsea are ready to step up their interest in Oxlade-Chamberlain and table a £35m offer.
Arsene Wenger has made it clear that he intends to keep hold of the former Southampton man but it is claimed the player himself is attracted to the idea of a switch to west London.
The report suggests Chelsea’s presence in the Champions League – along with a potential pay-rise at Stamford Bridge – could be two key factors as Oxlade-Chamberlain weighs up his future move.
Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s first game of the new season against Leicester City, Wenger said of Oxlade-Chamberlain: ‘I think in his career he had some bad moments because he had some small injuries. Last year he was much more stable.
‘Personally, I think he is a hugely talented player. He is on the way up and he will continue to move up because that potential is there.
‘He is today very conscious of his qualities as well, which he was not always, and I personally believe he will be a very great player.’
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