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Chelsea Transfer News: Oxlade-Chamberlain would solve Antonio Conte’s issues - Winterburn
ALEX OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN’s versatility can help solve Antonio Conte’s squad-depth problems at Chelsea, according to former Arsenal defender Nigel Winterburn.
Winterburn: Oxlade-Chamberlain has no guarantees at Chelsea
Oxlade-Chamberlain is set to move to Chelsea from Arsenal after a fee of £35million was agreed yesterday.
The England international has played in numerous roles under Arsene Wenger since arriving from Southampton in 2011, including in central midfield and wing-back.
Chelsea boss Conte has been in the market for players in those positions in the transfer window and Winterburn reckons Oxlade-Chamberlain would add depth to both of the areas.
"They would still like to bring in, I think he (Conte) mentioned, four more players,” Winterburn said on Sky Sports of Chelsea.
“I think what he’s looking to do is bring in quality to add to that squad. I still think Chelsea are a very, very strong team.
Chelsea transfer news: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain can solve squad-depth issues, says Nigel Winterburn
Maybe Antonio Conte's just feeling he needs a couple of players to get that strength in the team
“They’re very well organised, I still expect them to win a lot of games this season.
“I expect them to be up there challenging for the title, but I think what he’s looking at as well is Champions League football.
“You’ve got to maybe rotate before and after that game. I think he just wants that real strength.
“He doesn’t want lots of numbers, but he wants a core strength within his team.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain scores STUNNING goal for Arsenal in pre-season
Chelsea transfer news: Antonio Conte wants to add more quality to his squad this week
“Maybe Antonio Conte's just feeling he needs a couple of players to get that strength in the team.
“One area that he might be looking at maybe the centre of midfield.
“With Oxlade-Chamberlain, there’s a player who can play in that area as well, so he’s playing in a player who can play in a few positions.
“Chelsea have got several players in their team that can cover more than one position.”
Oxlade-Chamberlain is currently with the England squad ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Malta this Thursday.
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