Chelsea round-up: Rival defender linked; Arsenal fight off interest; fee agreed for striker

By Sam Leveridge

Chelsea could launch an ambitious move for Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld, according to the London Evening Standard. They say that the Dutchman is unhappy with his £49,000 per week contract and is yet to agree a new contract, with Spurs refusing to meet his wage demands.

Tottenham would not entertain any offers from their London rivals if they do make an offer for the centre-back. However, for the Blues, it may be worth a try given that he has established himself as one of the Premier League’s best players since he turned down Chelsea to move to White Hart Lane in 2015.

Another player could be set for a cross London switch in Arsenal’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The Daily Star report that the England international has been offered a bumper new deal worth £125,000 per week for four years in a last ditch attempt to keep him at the Emirates with Chelsea interested.

The versatile midfielder was disappointed by the club’s first offer of £100,000 per week but the Gunners are confident that he will now put pen to paper. With just a year left on his existing contract, they will need to do so shortly or Chelsea could try to sign him on a free transfer next summer.

Funds could be raised by the sale of Diego Costa, with Spanish radio show Radio Estadio on Onda Cero saying that a fee has been agreed with Atletico Madrid for his transfer, as quoted by AS and Calciomercato. That fee is thought to be €45 million (£41.2 million) plus add-ons, representing a €7 million (£6.4 million) profit since the Blues signed him from Madrid three years ago.

Chelsea will be looking for a rapid solution to the ongoing chaos, as Costa has failed to report to training since being told by Antonio Conte by text that he has no role to play in the squad this season. His preferred destination is a return to Atletico Madrid, but failure to agree a deal could make life difficult for Chelsea.