Chelsea ‘receive sufficient encouragement’ to land £35m Gunner

Joe Williams

Antonio Conte is ready to secure a £35million move for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain after Chelsea reportedly ‘received sufficient encouragement’ from Arsenal to believe a deal is possible.

The Arsenal winger/wing-back/midfielder is in the final year of his contract and talks have stalled on a new deal.

Oxlade-Chamberlain started Friday night’s win over Leicester at left-wing-back for Arsenal but is apparently keen to play in central midfield.

Chelsea are unlikely to offer a regular berth in that position but the Evening Standard claim: ‘Liverpool and Manchester City are thought to retain an interest in Oxlade-Chamberlain but Conte is ready to offer the player a right wing-back role in his starting 11 ahead of Victor Moses.’

Arsene Wenger is prepared to take a risk on losing Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil for free next summer, but turning down £35m for Oxlade-Chamberlain would not be good business.