Chelsea are reportedly planning to open talks with Arsenal over a summer move for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
According to Sky Sports, the Blues will make contact when the two sides have returned to London following their pre-season tours.
The Ox is into the last year of his contract, and yet to sign an extension, but speaking recently, Arsene Wenger said he was “100%” sure he would stay.
However, the report claims that Oxlade-Chamberlain has told the club he does not intend to sign the contract extension that is on offer.
Whether he would be tempted to move to Stamford Bridge remains to be seen, particularly as he claimed at the start of last season he wanted regular football.
The 23-year-old is not an automatic choice for Arsenal, and it’s difficult to see him becoming a regular under Antonio Conte either.
There’s also the small matter of whether the Gunners would be willing to let him leave for a Premier League title rival.
However, Arsenal will be faced with a decision if he does make it clear he does not want to sign an extension, otherwise he could leave for free next summer.
Liverpool have also been credited with an interest in recent weeks, and there is a need for Arsenal to trim both the squad and the wage bill in this transfer window.