Paper Round: Chelsea close in on Oxlade-Chamberlain, Wenger open to Wilshere offers

It's Friday's Paper Round. Chelsea are confident of signing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain before deadline day whilst Arsene Wenger will listen to offers for Jack Wilshere.

Chelsea confident of signing Oxlade-Chamberlain

The Telegraph report that champions Chelsea are increasingly confident of signing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain from rivals Arsenal. The midfielder has reportedly told Arsene Wenger that he will not sign a new contract despite reports of a new deal worth £180,000 being offered. Wenger hasn't given up on keeping Oxlade-Chamberlain but his Chelsea counterpart Antonio Conte is said to be pushing for the signing given his home-grown status and versatility.

 

Our view: It seems Wenger will lose another key player in Oxlade-Chamberlain. Is it that Wenger doesn't do enough to convinced players of staying? Why drag his contract renewal till this late? The club is still trying to persuade Sanchez and Ozil to remain at the Emirate with no success and now another one is about the leave. I think Wenger need to do the needful at the right time.

Wenger ready to listen to Wilshere offers

The Guardian reports that Wenger has made it clear that he is open to offers for Jack Wilshere. The club have a hugely bloated squad but there has been little interest in Wilshere, who still isn't fully fit.

 

Our view: Initially, everyone was made to believe that Wilshere's future is at Arsenal but after some bad form, injuries and loan move else where, it now seems those potentials everyone saw in him at the early stages of his career will not be reached. Best for him is to get a new club and start all over again.

Bilic optimistic on Carvalho

Also The Guardian reports that West Ham manager Slaven Bilic has said he is "quite confident" of completing a deal for William Carvalho despite a failure to agree a fee with Sporting. West Ham have offered £32.5 million but Sporting want around £35 million and club officials are no longer 100% confident of making the deal. 

Our view: We thought this deal was almost done and dusted last week but that is not the case. The window closes in a few days time so if West Ham needs him, they have to meet the club's valuation of the player.

Gray demands to start or be sold

The Mirror report that Demarai Gray has told Leicester City to either start him or sell him. Gray, 21, impressed for the England U21s over the summer and Bournemouth are offering £30 million but Leicester aren't showing signs of selling him and he has only featured late off the bench so far in the Premier League. 

Our view: Gray is a young kid who is talented. He represent the future and it could be nice if the Foxes can keep him and make him happy. Going elsewhere doesn't guaranty he will become an automatic starter. But he deserved a chance in the first team.