Premier League champions Chelsea have launched a £25million bid to sign Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, according to reports.
Earlier, FootTheBall had reported that Chelsea boss Antonio Conte was plotting a swoop for English star Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
FootTheBall sources had claimed the Blues had already made contact with Arsenal over a deal to take him to Stamford Bridge.
Oxlade-Chamberlain, 23, has entered the final 12 months of his Gunners contract.
And now the Daily Mail claim that Chelsea have stepped up their pursuit of Oxlade-Chamberlain, launching an initial bid of £25m.
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has been guaranteed by the club’s board that he will have at least two more new players before the summer transfer window closes.
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The Italian was not happy with his side’s performance and sent a warning to the Chelsea board for signing more players after suffering another defeat at Wembley.
Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal clinched the Community Shield after outplaying Chelsea on penalties, just over two months after defeating them at the same venue in the FA Cup final clash.
The Blues have already splurged £130 million for signing four new players but have also missed out on several key targets – and Conte have had insisted that he needs more quality signings this summer.
And now Conte wants to sign Oxlade-Chamberlain as he believes that he will need more players with a Champions League campaign knocking at the door.
Arsenal are keen to tie him down to a new deal but the English winger has turned down the Gunners’ final offer.
There is apparently a growing feeling at the Emirates that Oxlade-Chamberlain could be on his way out of the club.
The 23-year-old player has informed Wenger that he wants to leave as he wants to test new waters, according to reports.
The north London outfit could be tempted into selling Oxlade-Chamberlain rather than risk losing him for nothing next summer.
The English player arrived at the Emirates in 2011 and Arsenal fans had expectations from him. He has displayed huge potential but failed to step up after suffering a series of injuries.
He is a versatile player and has also proved his mettle while playing as a right-wing back – that would help him to fit perfectly in Conte’s 3-4-3 system.
Man City and Liverpool have also shown interest in the player, but the Blues have launched the first move.