Ox Rejection
After agreeing a fee with Arsenal, it looked set that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain would be swapping Red for Blue this summer. However, the 24-year-old rejected a move to Stamford Bridge, favouring a move to Liverpool instead. The Englishman is set to sign for Liverpool, a deal which will be completed later today (Thursday). It is believed that Oxlade-Chamberlain turned down a move to Chelsea as he believed he would play in a wing-back role, and would prefer a midfield position, something he believes he will recieve at Anfield.
Llorente Talks
Chelsea and Swansea are in talks over the signing of Fernando Llorente, according to various sources. The Spaniard worked with Antonio Conte at Juventus, and would relish the opportunity to work with the Italian again. A fee around £15 million is on the cards, with Swansea looking at bringing Wilfried Bony back to the Welsh club.
Hazard Signs
Kylian Hazard, brother of Eden, has signed for Chelsea. The 22-year-old joins the Blues from Hungarian side Ujpest, and will play for the club’s development side. Kylian becomes the third Hazard brother to be signed by Chelsea, joining Eden and Thorgan who have all spent periods of their careers at Stamford Bridge.
Drinkwater and Barkley Updates
Chelsea are still pressing on with the signings of Danny Drinkwater and Ross Barkley. In an attempt to force a move to Stamford Bridge, Drinkwater has requested a transfer at Leicester, and will hope that a move can be completed on Deadline Day. The Blues are yet to meet Leicester’s valuation for the midfielder. Antonio Conte’s side have also had a bid for Barkley rejected. A £25 million offer was rejected by Everton, who are reportedly looking for a fee of around £35 million. With Tottenham also interested in Barkley, Chelsea will have to act first in order to beat their rivals to the signing.