Initial overtures from the Blues over the England international have been dismissed by Arsenal.
But the club see him as a perfect fit for Antonio Conte’s 3-4-3 system and will heighten their interest in the hope of forcing a sale before deadline day.
Chelsea are plotting a £35 million deal for Arsenal winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, according to the Evening Standard.
The winger is out of contract at the Emirates Stadium next summer and, with no renewal on the horizon, Arsene Wenger will let him depart for the Gunners’ London rivals.
