CHELSEA IN A RUSH TO SIGN £40M OX BEFORE LIVERPOOL
CHELSEA are trying to rush through a £40million deal for Alex OxladeChamberlain.
Arsenal last night accepted a bid, which will rise above £35m with add-ons, and it is understood the Blues moved quickly as they fear Liverpool in the background.
It remains to be seen whether there will be a last-minute offer from Anfield, but there has been strong interest.
OxladeChamberlain, 24, sees his future in midfield and that might be easier at Liverpool, while Chelsea want him to play right wingback.
But Chelsea appear to be in pole position, despite some
Arsenal players believing their team-mate is angling for a move to Merseyside.
Mirror Sport understands Arsenal do not want to deal with Liverpool due to bad blood over the Luis Suarez transfer saga in 2013.
Chelsea are determined not to miss out on another transfer target as boss Antonio Conte has been frustrated all summer.
England manager Gareth Southgate will allow OxladeChamberlain to leave the training camp at St George’s Park and even miss the trip to Malta to resolve his future.
Chelsea are also confident of landing Danny Drinkwater from Leicester before Thursday’s deadline for a fee of around £40m.
They have upped their interest in Everton midfielder Ross Barkley, who is also coveted by Tottenham.
Everton wanted £50m for the England international, but have softened their stance with the deadline approaching and will now accept £30m.