CHELSEA FEAR THE OX FAVOURS RED NOT BLUE
CHELSEA fear that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is getting cold feet over a move to Stamford Bridge – with Liverpool waiting in the wings.
Despite agreeing a £40million fee with Arsenal, the Blues have not got the deal over the line and the midfielder (right) was still with England at St George’s Park last night – having not asked to leave.
Chelsea are desperate to get
the transfer completed and missing out would be a huge blow for their boss Antonio Conte.
Oxlade-Chamberlain, 24, would be used as a right wing-back at the Blues, but he may get the chance to play in the centre of the park at Liverpool, which is what he really wants.
The Reds have yet to table a formal bid let alone agree a fee, but it is thought Arsenal could be tempted to sell despite bad blood between the clubs since the botched Luis Suarez transfer in 2013.
The Gunners still believe Oxlade-Chamberlain is likely to join Chelsea, but Blues sources admit the deal still needs some work and may go to the wire.
Liverpool consider Oxlade-Chamberlain to be their most likely option in the market now as Monaco do not want to sell France star Thomas Lemar.
If Oxlade-Chamberlain can not agree a move to Chelsea, however, then he could stay at Arsenal for the final year of his deal.