Arsenal contract rebel closing in on Premier League transfer

Premier League Champions Chelsea are confident they will secure the services of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain from North London club Arsenal before the summer transfer window closes, and hope to hold talks with Everton over the potential move of Ross Barkley after Sunday’s Premier League meeting between both sides at Stamford Bridge.

Oxlade-Chamberlain and Ross Barkley could yet be joined by another Englishman, Leicester’s Danny Drinkwater, as the Blues seek to satisfy their manager Antonio Conte and strengthen his team before Thursday night’s summer transfer deadline.

The Arsenal midfielder, who is into the final 12 months of his Arsenal contract, has been offered a new contract by the Gunners but is believed to have stated his desire to leave for a new challenge after six seasons at the North London club.

The Gunners are not willing to sell Oxlade-Chamberlain, German Mesut Özil and Chilean Alexis Sánchez that will all leave for free next summer if new terms are not agreed, given the lack of offers for Ozil and the Arsenal Chief’s intransigence over the prospect of cashing in on Sánchez this summer transfer window – rivals Manchester City are most likely to test their resolve before the transfer window closes on Thursday – the Ox appears to fancy a move.

The Reds have also been keenly interested but, while no offers have yet been tabled, the Blues feel his club will accept an offer worth €37.8 m, and the attacker will make a move across London.