Chelsea Transfer News: Oscar's Future Questioned, Javier Pastore Rumours Emerge

Oscar's future at Chelsea is reportedly "in doubt" after the Brazilian withdrew from the Blues' squad against Manchester City due to illness having been named among the substitutes.

That's according to Matt Law of the Telegraph, who noted the midfielder's absence due to a stomach problem required Guus Hiddink "to make a late change" to his lineup of subs, and Oscar did not attend the game at all.

Further, the Blues players have been informed by incoming boss Antonio Conte he "will demand total commitment" from them, and Oscar is among those the club "could listen to offers for this summer," with his possible destinations including Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus or the Chinese Super League.

Per the Times (h/t football writer Kristian Sturt), his future is already the subject of speculation, as his sale would give Conte more money to spend on the squad this summer:

It's important not to read too much into his failure to attend the game—unlike with a regular injury where a player may still be expected to watch from the stands as Hazard did on Saturday, illness is a different situation.

However, Oscar has hardly been at his best this season, and in 38 games, he has accrued eight goals and five assists—hardly an awful return but not a particularly inspiring one either—and with three of his goals coming in one game against MK Dons, he's often gone long spells without contributing either.

Bleacher Report UK's Garry Hayes commented on his recent poor form:

"

@stighefootball you haven't had the misfortune of watching Oscar lately!

— Garry Hayes (@garryhayes) March 20, 2016"

He's still only 24 and has much to offer, but compared with his team-mates in similar positions, he's undoubtedly more expendable.

After such an excellent campaign, it seems unlikely the Blues will part with Willian this summer, while as poor as Eden Hazard has been, he has the potential to be a world-class talent and showed as much last year, so he'll only leave if a sensational offer comes in.

With Chelsea fighting solely for a top-half finish in the league this season, it's clear an overhaul is needed, and it wouldn't be a surprise if Oscar were to leave.

Michel Euler/Associated Press

He could be replaced by PSG's Javier Pastore, as according to "reports in France" (h/t the Guardian's Barry Glendenning), he could be set to leave the French capital and his agent has "already held talks" with the Blues.

The Argentinian has been restricted to just 14 Ligue 1 appearances this season after spending much of the campaign injured, and he has registered two goals and four assists in that time.

According to Squawka, he has created 20 chances and completed as many take-ons, a more than respectable return in less than 700 minutes of play.

Last season paints a more comprehensive picture, as he was able to make 34 appearances in the French top flight, scoring five and assisting 13. Here were some of his highlights:

The playmaker's vision and creativity make him a more potent attacking threat than Oscar, and his versatility allows him to play out wide, in attacking midfield or as a central midfielder, as he has done on numerous occasions this season.

According to Glendenning, he could cost up to £30 million, which would be a fairly steep price even for a player of Pastore's talent. But he could certainly add to the Blues' squad, and if Les Parisiens are interested in Oscar, it's certainly possible a deal might be agreed.