Chelsea Set To Sign 23-Year-Old Midfielder Ahead Of Liverpool

Managers are now pressing ahead with their plans for the summer transfer window so we’ll bring you all the latest news and gossip from around the globe. Today, Chelsea lead the race to sign Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain…

Premier League champions Chelsea look set to beat Liverpool to the signing of Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain this summer, according to The Sun.

Oxlade-Chamberlain joined Arsenal from Southampton as a 17-year-old in 2011 and he’s gone on to make almost 200 appearances for the north Londoners in all competitions.

However, the 23-year-old’s future is in serious doubt as he has just one year remaining on his current contract at the Emirates and Arsenal have so far been unable to agree terms over an extension.

Arsene Wenger insists Oxlade-Chamberlain will still be at the club come September 1st but The Sun claim he looks increasingly likely to leave this summer after making it clear he won’t sign the deal on the table.

The newspaper says the midfielder has rejected Arsenal’s offer of £100,000-a-week as he knows he can demand more elsewhere while he also wants assurances over his first team place.

The situation has alerted a number of Premier League teams but The Sun claim Chelsea are now in pole position to sign Oxlade-Chamberlain ahead of the likes of Liverpool and Man City.

Jurgen Klopp is looking to build a squad capable of competing for major honours this season ahead of their return to the Champions League and Liverpool have long been linked with a move for Oxlade-Chamberlain.

However, it seems the former Saints youngster could be set for a controversial move across London as Antonio Conte looks to further strengthen his midfield options following the sale of Nemanja Matic to Man Utd.

The Ox is capable of playing in central midfield or on the wing but he impressed in the right wing-back role last season so he’d provide stiff competition for Victor Moses if he does end up joining Chelsea.

The Blues are also looking to add more British talent to their squad after losing a number of home-grown players this summer and The Sun seem to think Oxlade-Chamberlain will soon be heading to Stamford Bridge.

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No doubt Arsenal will be reluctant to sell to a rival but the closer we get to deadline day without Oxlade-Chamberlain signing a new deal the more likely it is the Gunners will be forced to cash-in on the midfielder.