Chelsea expect to land Arsenal's Ox: Blues will trump Spurs in Barkley battle

Posted Saturday, August 26, 2017 by Express.co.uk

CHELSEA are confident they will prise Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain away from Arsenal this summer.

Antonio Conte is looking for some last-minute additions to his squad before the transfer window shuts on Thursday and has made it clear he is concerned about a lack depth in his ranks.

And the Blues believe Oxlade-Chamberlain wants to leave Arsenal for Chelsea.

Liverpool have also been linked with a move for the England international but Jurgen Klopp's side are yet to make their move.

Oxlade-Chamberlain has turned down a new £180,000-a-week contract with the Gunners and the Guardian claim Chelsea hope to land him for £35million.

Chelsea are also in the hunt for Everton midfielder Ross Barkley.

The 23-year-old is also refusing to sign a new deal and is awaiting offers from Premier League clubs.

Tottenham are monitoring his situation and are thought to be preparing to make a late offer to sign him having been quiet in the transfer window.

But the Guardian claim Chelsea will trump any offer their rivals make with Conte eager to work with Barkley.

Barkley is expected to be out until the new year with a hamstring injury but that has not put off potential suitors.

In what's set to be a busy few days for Chelsea, they will also attempt to lure Danny Drinkwater away from Leicester.

Chelsea have already had a £15m bid rejected but Drinkwater has made it clear to Leicester he wants a move to Stamford Bridge and a compromise could be reached next week.