Sky: PL rivals plot summer swoop for Arsenal midfielder after contract talks stall
By Aramide Oladipo
Chelsea are set to make a sensational move for Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain during the summer transfer window, according to a report.
Sky Sports reports that the Premier League champions have set their sights on the 23-year-old after they completed the signing of Alvaro Morata from Real Madrid.
It is said that the Blues will hold discussions with their local rivals about a potential move for the youngster two days after the Gunners return from their pre-season tour in China.
The popular sports broadcaster claims that the Englishman has made it clear to Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger that he is not willing to sign a new contract with the North London club.
Both teams are set to face each other on Saturday afternoon in a pre-season friendly on Saturday at the Beijing National Stadium.
Chamberlain managed to enjoy his best campaign with Arsenal in terms of minutes on the pitch last season, making a total of 45 appearances in all competitions.
The midfielder contributed with six goals and an impressive 11 assists last seasons.
The youngster was deployed in a full-back position for the latter stages of the campaign where he thrived and produced some outstanding performances.
Chamberlain’s current contract at the Emirates Stadium expires next summer.
Football Insider verdict
Arsenal cannot allow Chamberlain to join another Premier League club this summer. The Englishman has demonstrated that he has the potential to be a fantastic player when he is given a regular run in the starting lineup. The youngster might be influenced to move to Stamford Bridge this summer with the Blues achieving great success last season and also being involved in the Champions League in the upcoming campaign. Chamberlain could potentially be deployed as a full-back for Antonio Conte’s side and there is every chance that he can revive his career in the same way as Victor Moses. It will be a massive loss for the Gunners should the Englishman decide to join their local rivals next season.
In other Arsenal news, the Gunners are in a race with Tottenham to land this attacker from one of their title rivals.
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