Chelsea Transfer News: Blues Rumoured to Be in Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain Chase

Chelsea have reportedly joined the race to sign Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain from Arsenal.

According to Sky Sports News HQ, the Blues will have to battle with Premier League rivals Manchester City and Liverpool if they are to snap up the 23-year-old midfielder:

Oxlade-Chamberlain has only a year remaining on his Gunners contract, and the north London outfit can't offer him UEFA Champions League football next season.

Per Jonathan Northcroft of the Sunday Times, he is eager to leave the Emirates Stadium in a bid to secure a more regular starting place, but Arsenal will demand more than £25 million for him.

Liverpool have looked the front-runners to sign the England international, with manager Jurgen Klopp believed to be an admirer, per Northcroft.

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A move to Chelsea would likely be tempting for Oxlade-Chamberlain, however, given it would mean remaining in London and arguably having a greater chance of winning a Premier League title.

The Englishman moved to Arsenal from Southampton in 2011 amid much fanfare about his potential, but he never nailed down a regular spot in manager Arsene Wenger's starting XI.

In 2016-17, he started 16 Premier League games—one fewer than his best return of 17 league starts in 2014-15.

Given the strength of Chelsea's midfield ranks, Oxlade-Chamberlain's starting opportunities may not be enhanced with a move to Stamford Bridge.

But if the Blues convince him he will be a key part of Antonio Conte's squad as they look to defend their Premier League title and make a run at the Champions League crown in 2017-18, it seems possible he could opt to make the move across London.