Chelsea are reportedly ready to ramp up their interest in Arsenal’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and bid for the player ‘within the next 48 hours’ (via The Metro).
With many Arsenal fans deciding on who they’d like to see brought in and leaving the club, few would want Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to leave.
The Englishman is a hugely popular player amongst some sections of the Arsenal fanbase but with just one year left on his contract, the Gunners could be looking to cash in on the player rather than risk losing him for nothing next season.
The Ox travelled and played for the Arsenal first-team during their pre-season tour of Australia and China but things aren’t quite right.
Liverpool were reportedly confident of signing the player earlier in the summer but now it seems that Chelsea lead the chase with reports that the Blues will make a bid ‘within 48 hours’.
During the last term, Oxlade-Chamberlain enjoyed his best season at Arsenal to date. Playing a variety of positions but still managing six goals in his 45 appearances for the Gunners in all competitions.
The future of Oxlade-Chamberlain is a major dilemma for Arsene Wenger and Arsenal. The Ox did enjoy his best season in 2016-17 and put in some excellent performances at right wing-back but should he really play ahead of Hector Bellerin long term?
The Ox has played out wide and in central midfield as well and had some hugely erratic form. Before last season, the former-Southampton man had barely developed but maybe this is a turning point for him. He’s talented and versatile but Oxlade-Chamberlain needs to add consistency to his game if he is to stay at Arsenal long-term.