Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is reportedly planning a double swoop for English stars Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Ross Barkley
According to a report by The Sun, Chelsea are seeking summer deals for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Ross Barkley as Conte aims to increase the number of home-grown talents.
The Blues have been interested in both these players for a while now and it will be interesting to see how they manage to pry either of these players from their respective clubs.
Oxlade-Chamberlain has endured several changes in position for a good majority of last season. He took up varying roles in the central midfield area, played at wing back and also worked from his traditional right wing position.
He was phenomenal as a wing back and adapted to that position in the best way as it was evident to see. Growing frustration among the fans led to Arsene Wenger making an unusual change in his formation as he employed a three-man back line, and that system greatly benefited the former Southampton player.
Ross Barkley, on the other hand, has been a hot prospect ever since he burst onto the scene with Everton, having progressed quickly through the ranks at the club. The 23-year-old went on to establish himself as a mainstay for both club and country while also establishing himself as one of the most exciting talents in England.
Barkley has recorded more than 150 appearances for Everton and has only gone from strength-to-strength under Ronald Koeman, hence drawing the attention of last season’s Premier League winners.
Chelsea are in dire need of a new right wing-back especially after their failure to land Danilo, which leaves Victor Moses as the only option ahead of the new season. Antonio Conte wants to add depth and a player at the position to provide competition to Moses.
Ox can fill that need perfectly while Barkley can prove to be a value addition up front. The Blues look currently have just Eden Hazard, Willian and Pedro to choose from currently, and Conte will need attacking reinforcements before the next season.
Regardless of whether or not Conte manages to seal deals for both these players, a deal for even one of them is likely to do wonders for the squad as they will need to cope with the added responsibility of defending the coveted Premier League trophy next season.
