Chelsea are claimed to be closing on the capture of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, but why would Arsenal allow it?
The versatile star joined the club from Southampton in 2011 after impressing as a young advanced midfielder, and has been a squad member at the Emirates ever since.
The Ox enjoyed his best year of football during the previous campaign, despite being used in a number of different roles, and has spent much of 2017 playing as a wing-back in our new 3-4-2-1 formation.
The 23 year-old is now claimed to be a target for Premier League champions Chelsea, who are said to have offered him a first-team role at right wing-back, with a £35 Million deal mooted.
Antonio Conte stated that his club were working hard to bring in more numbers after their disastrous 3-2 opening match defeat to Burnley on Saturday, and a versatile player like the Ox who could cover three of their less-strong positions would be a huge boost for them.
Arsene Wenger has shown loyalty to those who he has helped to develop over the years, but is believed to be looking to trim down his squad at present.
The Ox should be looking to play a relatively key role in our side this season, continuing on from where he left off last term, but his contract has been allowed to run into it’s final 12 months, and we can’t allow ourselves to lose a large number of players for free in 12 months time.
We currently have Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey, Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil, Santi Cazorla, Kieran Gibbs and Joel Campbell also with contracts expiring next summer, and none appear close to extending at present.
Would Wenger allow the Ox to leave? Could we persuade him to sign a new deal?
Pat J