Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is the sort of player Chelsea do not need
With rumours linking Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain with a move to Chelsea, you can understand why Antonio Conte is getting frustrated with the board.
As the rumour mill continues to turn and turn, the latest story regarding Chelsea links them with a move for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. With the Blues needing reinforcements ahead of Champions League football next season, Oxlade-Chamberlain is not the type of player that is required.
Sky Sports claims that Chelsea have joined a race for the Englishman’s signature.
"Chelsea have joined Liverpool and Manchester City in their efforts to sign Arsenal and England midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, according to Sky sources…Oxlade-Chamberlain has grown increasingly frustrated at the lack of progress and is currently on holiday considering his next move."
More from The Pride of London
- Bournemouth 0-0 Chelsea player ratings: Abysmal, reckless, wasteful
- Bournemouth 0-0 Chelsea: 3 Blues talking points
- Bournemouth vs Chelsea: 1 Blue Mauricio Pochettino should drop
- Bournemouth vs Chelsea: 3 Blues who must start
- Predicted Chelsea lineup vs Bournemouth: Palmer starts in 4-2-3-1
The 23-year-old had been previously touted as one of the brightest young stars in the country. However, he has failed to develop as some would have hoped.
With Arsenal falling out of Champions League football and still keeping Arsene Wenger in charge, Oxlade-Chamberlain is unlikely to fulfill his potential at The Emirates. However, he is equally unlikely to thrive in West London.
The Englishman has shown some proficiency in a full-back slot, but he is simply not of the calibre Chelsea need. Marcos Alonso and Victor Moses are better than Oxlade-Chamberlain in the role. The Blues must upgrade their wingbacks, not bring in someone to sit behind them.
As an option further up the field, again Oxlade-Chamberlain will be behind other current Chelsea players in the pecking order. Eden Hazard and Pedro are better than the Arsenal man and thus he will likely be warming the bench.
Recent rumours have suggested that a lack of ambition and action from the Chelsea board may force Conte out. Stories like this only lend credence to those reports. The Blues need the cream of the crop if they are to mount a serious European challenge next season.
Oxlade-Chamberlain is certainly a Premier League player, but he won’t elevate Chelsea to the level they need to reach. Given that he is English and at Arsenal, he will also be woefully overpriced.
What do you think of this potential move? Are you a fan of the Ox? Tell me how I’m wrong in the comments below!