Chelsea, the reigning Premier League champions, are rapidly making up their lost ground in the transfer market despite early stumbles.
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte was initially discontent after missing out on Saints defender Virgil Van Dijk whom he identified as a long term successor of departing skipper John Terry and former Everton hitman Romelu Lukaku in place of unwanted marksman Diego Costa who is set to rejoin his former club Atletico Madrid following a rift with the Italian boss back in January.
But Jose Mourinho, the former Blues boss, took full advantage of Chelsea’s prolonged negotiations and snatched a deal for the big Belgian under their nose in order to bring him to his current club Manchester United.
The Blues, however, did not miss out on their alternatives and acquired the services of Spanish international striker Alvaro Morata from Real Madrid as well as former AS Roma defender Antonio Rudiger following an impressive spell for the Serie A outfit and Germany’2017 FIFA Confederations Cup winning campaign.
Also, French midfield general Tiemoue Bakayoko completed his switch from Ligue 1 winners AS Monaco despite late efforts from Mourinho to spoil their party once more. Chelsea are working hard to bring in Juventus’ left wing-back Alex Sandro and if reports are believed to be true, they are set to open negotiations with Arsenal contract rebel Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s entourage next week.
The 23-year old English attacker has rejected several contract offers and has decided to leave the Gunners’ for free next summer if he is not allowed to move amidst interests from Liverpool and Manchester City. Chelsea are now favourites to land Chamberlain as the other two have cooled their interest following Arsenal’s high asking fee despite the player having only 12 months left on his current deal.
Chamberlain’s progress has been marred by injuries, yet, he is a versatile star who can be explored in the wings as well as central midfield slot. Arsene Wenger, the veteran Gunners’ boss, utilised him in a wing-back role towards the end of the previous season and the Englishman flourished majestically and helped them win their record 13th FA Cup title defeating his current suitors Chelsea.
Conte was impressed with his flexibility and now wants to add him to his title winning squad prior to the upcoming campaign. Although Wenger insisted that Chamberlain will “100 per cent” stay with the Gunners’, a fee in excess of £25 million will be enough to convince the gaffer.
Chamberlain, hailed for his pace, physicality along with strong dribbling, passing and crossing skills, wants to feature regularly and wishes to have a more crucial role in the middle of the park.
He will be a shrewd buy for Arsenal’s London rivals due to his versatility, however, the move might further jeopardise his first team opportunities due to Chelsea’s impressive squad depth.
The Blues already have Eden Hazard, Pedro and Willian on the wings and N’Golo Kante, Cesc Fabregas and new arrival Tiemoue Bakayoko will be preferred over him in central midfield. Also, Cesar Azpilicueta, Marcos Alonso and Victor Moses will continue as wing-backs.
The English international, thus, must think sensibly before coming to a conclusion as he needs to feature regularly next season in order to break into the Three Lions squad for 2018 FIFA World Cup football.
