Transfer News: Chelsea launch shock £25 million swoop for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Chelsea have reportedly launched a sensational £25 million swoop to land Arsenal superstar Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

According to a Daily Mail exclusive, Chelsea have launched a rather controversial swoop for Arsenal superstar Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The player is being linked heavily with a move away from Emirates and he could be set to move to their local rivals, if Chelsea have their way.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has failed to live up to the expectations and hype surrounding his talent, which had seen him earn a move to Arsenal in 2011. The Englishman, though, seemed to have established himself within the first-team setup finally last season, with a massive 45 appearances to boot.

And with a return of 6 goals and 11 assists, Oxlade-Chamberlain was easily one of the best players for Arsenal in an otherwise disappointing campaign for the club. The 23-year-old, though, could be set to depart Emirates, with only one year left on his current Arsenal deal.

The club has attempted to renew his contract in the past few weeks, much to no avail, with the Ox intent on seeking newer pastures to further his footballing career. And he may not have to see too far, with Chelsea eyeing a move for the Englishman.

Antonio Conte is miffed with his club’s inability to reinforce the wing-back areas. Failure in the pursuit of Danilo, Benjamin Mendy and Alex Sandro has left the Blues in a limbo. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, though, could be the solution.

Even though the Italian is seeking reinforcements on both the sides, the right wing-back is more of a priority, with only Victor Moses to choose from. And while The Ox has been deployed on the left in pre-season at Arsenal, the report iterates that the player prefers the right side, making him an ideal addition.

While the Mail report that Chelsea are plotting a £25 million swoop for the Arsenal man, Mirror are claiming that the Blues are ready to bid upto £35 million in order to get their target. And while Arsene Wenger has maintained that the player will stay at the club beyond the summer, Oxlade-Chamberlain’s persistence may force his hand.

Ashley Cole’s transfer from Arsenal to Chelsea was met with heavy furore from the fans and Wenger, who is already under the scanner of his own supporters, might receive some more backlash if the Ox ends up moving to Chelsea, who look like they are getting closer to getting their man.