Transfer story
Antonio Conte has been extremely unhappy with Chelsea for failing to get him his primary transfer targets. After the failed pursuits of a number of top talents this summer, the Italian manager is looking to sign Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade- Chamberlain from Arsenal.
If latest reports are to be believes, Chelsea have agreed a fee for the transfer of Chamberlain who will make the move for 35 million pounds.
Player’s stats
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was one of the standout performers for Arsenal during their disappointing season last time. The midfielder played on the left and the right side of the midfield and made 29 appearances in the Premier League for Arsenal. He mustered two goals in the process.
He also assisted seven goals during the course of the season. His defensive abilities were appreciative as he averaged 1.27 tackles in every match and had a tackle success rate of 81%. He made 11 interceptions and recovered the ball 100 times in those 29 matches. He won 15 aerial duels and was shown just one yellow card in the league.
The midfielder rose through the ranks from the Southampton U-18 and Southampton youth teams before making his move to Arsenal in 2011. The Gunner is regarded as one of the best midfielders in England and can become a regular in English national team.
What does he bring to Chelsea?
Chelsea shifted to a 3-4-3 system under Antonio Conte last season, with Victor Moses and Marcos Alonso playing as the two wingbacks. Chelsea won the title last year, but Alonso was found guilty of losing possession many times.
It is a common perception that Alonso isn’t the kind of wingback that Chelsea should look for. He is physically not set for the rigours of Premier League. Alex Sandro was Chelsea’s main target but Juventus didn’t let their player go. Alonso, however, has silence all those naysayers but the lack of depth could hurt Chelsea with the club playing in the Champions League as well.
The inclusion of Oxlade-Chamberlain wouldn’t demand a change of formation. He can be easily fit into the left wing-back role or even replace Moses on the right. He has been used to play in that position since Arsenal shifted to a three-man defence during the latter part of last season.
Is he really worth the fuss?
Antonio Conte does not seem to be happy with his club and wants to add more squad members this time. Chamberlain was unlucky due to the niggling injuries that stopped him from progressing at Arsenal, but on his day, he is a talented lad.