Chelsea are believed to have agreed a fee with Arsenal to bring Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to Stamford Bridge. Oxlade-Chamberlain, who joined Arsenal in 2011, is pushing for a move and rejected a contract offer from the Gunners last week. Liverpool and Chelsea had been showing substantial interest in the 24-year-old but Sky Sports say it is the Premier League champions who are set to land their man. It is claimed a fee of around £35million has been agreed between the London rivals and a medical will take place in the next few days. Oxlade-Chamberlain, who started for Arsenal in Sunday’s 4-0 defeat at Anfield, is currently with the England squad at St George’s Park.
And it is believed large parts of his medical could take place at England’s training centre, with Chelsea keen to make progress on the deal ahead of Thursday’s deadline. Speaking to the media on Sunday, Conte confirmed the club were working ‘very hard’ on incoming transfers. ‘There are four days to go in the transfer market,’ Conte said. ‘I think the club is working very hard to try to improve our squad. ‘Don’t forget that in September we have to play seven games and I need to rotate my players because it’s very difficult to play seven games in a month with the same players.
Arsenal are ready to sell Oxlade-Chamberlain after he refused to sign an improved £180,000-a-week contract. The Blues look set to beat Liverpool to the England international, although the Reds have themselves today confirmed the signing of Naby Keita for 2018. Chelsea manager Antoni Conte has been adamant in recent days that his side will sign more players before Thursday’s transfer deadline. Oxlade-Chamberlain was criticised for his performance for Arsenal in the 4-0 defeat at Liverpool yesterday. Oxlade-Chamberlain joined Arsenal from Southampton in a £12million deal in 2011. He made just 68 Premier League starts for Arsenal in his six years at the club, coming on off the bench 64 times. Oxlade-Chamberlain had played in all four of Arsenal’s games this term but refused to pen a new deal. His move could end Chelsea’s interest in Leicester midfielder Danny Drinkwater.