Three ways Chelsea could deploy Arsenal’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain after £25m bid

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Chelsea have made a bid worth £25 million for Arsenal ace Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, according to the Daily Mail. The former Southampton man has less than a year left on his contract and could leave the Emirates this summer. One of the biggest strengths of Oxlade-Chamberlain’s game is his versatility, but just where would he fit in at Stamford Bridge?

At wing-back

The role where Oxlade-Chamberlain has most frequently deployed of late, and likely where he would most regularly play at Stamford Bridge. His attacking threat bombing down the flank would provide real competition to Victor Moses and may offer a more dynamic option as well as an opportunity to rest and rotate the Nigerian.

At Wembley in the Community Shield, the England international also intriguingly figured on the left. That could offer greater versatility which would appeal to Antonio Conte as he could compete with not just Moses, but also Marcos Alonso.

In central midfield

Another position in which the 23-year-old has played before for Arsene Wenger, and could do in west London. With Tiemoue Bakayoko unavailable for the start of the season and only N’Golo Kante and Cesc Fabregas as senior options in the position, this may be an interesting option for Conte.

It’s unlikely that Oxlade-Chamberlain will be signed for this purpose, particularly given claims in The Sun suggesting that Danny Drinkwater could join the Blues. However, it does add an extra dimension which will only make him more appealing.

As a winger

Another option is to use Oxlade-Chamberlain as a winger as part of the front three. This is another area where Chelsea lack depth, with Eden Hazard, Pedro and Willian sharing the two starting berths. Last season Pedro and Hazard had priority, but already this campaign Hazard is ruled out for the opening weeks as he recovers from a broken ankle.

Oxlade-Chamberlain could step in and play in that role. It is one that he is comfortable with having spent many years there at Southampton and Arsenal previously.