Arsenal legend Martin Keown has warned Antonio Conte that the departure of Oscar will damage his Chelsea squad.
The Brazilian midfielder is on his way out of Chelsea after seeing his chances reduced to a bench role under Antonio Conte. The 25-year-old is set to join former boss, Andre Villas-Boas at Chinese club, Shanghai SIPG.
Confirming his departure, Oscar said: “It’s 90 per cent certain, it just depends on a few bureaucratic details.”
But Keown holds a different view about the transfer, claiming Conte will be left with a weaker squad if the Brazilian leaves mid-season.
He told Daily Mail: “I think his departure would weaken Chelsea’s cause — and you question the ambition of the player,
“Even though he is not playing at the moment, the 25-year-old would be moving away from the best league in Europe.
“Oscar is surely well paid enough as it as at Chelsea but, with a transfer fee of £52m, the club will no doubt happily take the pot of gold.
“Odion Ighalo was in a similar situation last year.
“He has not been starting recently for Watford but if he re-establishes himself in the team and starts scoring again then I’m sure he would be happier than if he had taken the money and gone to China.”
Chelsea are set to earn a staggering £52million from the sale of the midfielder and there are reports that the Blues are in search of another midfielder in January.
