Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger could reportedly sanction the sale of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to a direct league rival with Chelsea prepared to pay up to £35m for his services.
The England international currently has less than a year left on his contract similarly to Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil, but he is not entirely assured a starting role once the club is at full strength.
Oxlade-Chamberlain has featured primarily in the wing-back positions since the shift to the 3-4-2-1 formation in April, and he recently found himself at right-back during the final 20 minutes of the 4-3 victory over Leicester City.
The 23-year-old is said to want regular playing time wherever he plays in order to make the World Cup squad, but the central midfield role remains his ambition in the long run.
According to The London Evening Standard, both Arsenal and Chelsea are yet to agree on a transfer fee for Oxlade-Chamberlain, but Wenger could be prepared to cash in on his services ahead of key performers Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil.
The Premier League champions are planning to lodge a £35m bid for the former Southampton graduate with manager Antonio Conte offering him the right wing-back spot ahead of Victor Moses.
Oxlade-Chamberlain has largely been a bit-part player during his time in north London with injuries and the lack of regular playing time stunting his progress.
Despite this, he has become a fan favourite at the Emirates, and not many would want the Ox to leave, given his versatility to play as a winger or in central midfield.
The Portsmouth-born lad has notched 196 outings for the FA Cup holders since arriving from Southampton on a £15m transfer package in 2011.
