Chelsea close to Arsenal star Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

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London, August 15: Defending Premier League champions Chelsea are reportedly edging closer to sealing a £35 million deal for Arsenal's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as negotiations between the clubs continue to advance, following failed contract talks between the player and the Gunners.

However, Arsene Wenger is reluctant to see one of his best players leave and to a direct rival who are in the same city of London which is believed to be delaying the deal.

Liverpool and Manchester City also remain interested in the 23-year-old Englishman but it is Chelsea who are leading the chase.

Chamberlain would certainly be a welcome addition at Stamford Bridge who are desperate to add players in a number of positions. The Blues have seen their squad depth depleted rapidly this summer and they do not have a lot of time to work on that.

A versatile and young player like Chamberlain would be a brilliant addition to Conte's side. Even though Chamberlain is a winger by trade, the Englishman has adapted well to be able to play in a wide range of positions including central midfield and also at wing-back.

The youngster joined Arsenal in 2011 but a series of injuries and an inability to hold down one position has seen his career stall in recent years. He is still not a regular at Arsenal and is believed to be frustrated due to that and therefore, he is yet to commit his future to the Gunners.

Oxlade-Chamberlain played as a left-wing back during last Friday's (August 11) 4-3 win against Leicester and was highly impressive in the game. Wenger wants to trim the first-team squad this month, with 33 players on the books, as they have so far only sold one senior player and are not willing to lose Chamberlain.

In an added advantage Chamberlain is also a home-grown player which Chelsea lack in number at the moment which puts his value even higher.