Chelsea to bid for Arsenal’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
By Rayna Sidhu
After securing a new striker for a club record fee, Chelsea are now turning their attention to other positions, calling for an interest in the Arsenal midfielder.
Oxlade-Chamberlain is into the last year of his current contract. It is reported that he rejected a new contract worth £100,000 a week, adding to speculation that he wants a move away.
Chelsea have had a successful transfer window so far. They’ve added much-needed defensive depth with Willy Caballero, Antonio Rudiger and Tiemoue Bakayoko. They then completed the signing of Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata as the replacement for Diego Costa.
Fans know that the Blues need depth elsewhere, too. Wingers are essential to Antonio Conte’s tactics and options are sparse. Oxlade-Chamberlain could be a sensible transfer for this reason.
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Under Arsene Wenger, the young player hasn’t really been given a set position. He has played across the midfield. The lack of direction has shown in his game, which has suffered and seen him drop to the bench more regularly.
Last season he only made 16 starting appearances in the league, with 13 substitute appearances. Wenger doesn’t seem to trust him as a sure starter. There isn’t a clear place for him at Arsenal.
One of the great things about Antonio Conte is his man-management. He can bring the best out of the players he chooses and mould them to their position. This was most notable with Victor Moses. In theory, Conte could do the same with Oxlade-Chamberlain. Rigorous training would help determine where he is comfortable, and Conte could shape him accordingly.
It is quite surprising to remember that Oxlade-Chamberlain is only 23 years old. There is still plenty of time for him to develop both at club level and internationally. This doesn’t seem to be happening at Arsenal.
If he does stay at the North London club, changes will need to be made for him to grow. He needs to find a favoured position, and be given the necessary game-time – in any competition – to flourish.
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There is a chance that Oxlade-Chamberlain can be a successful player at Arsenal, but he has spent most of his career there with no development. However, Arsene Wenger has been adamant that, despite not accepting a new contract, the player will not leave. This could mean that he has plans for the youngster. Or, he just doesn’t want to see another of his players play at a rival club.