Oscar still at Chelsea despite departure talk

Chelsea midfielder Oscar is reported to be eager to stay at Chelsea FC and fight for the first eleven jersey as his heart is at Chelsea although Shanghai SIPG has offered $60 million transfer fees.

Chelsea midfielder Oscar is aware of interest in him from China – but could yet be staying at Stamford Bridge, according to Sky sources.The 25-year-old Brazil international was quoted in the Brazilian media as saying a deal with Shanghai SIPG is “90 per cent right – it just depends on some bureaucratic details”.

But Sky sources understand that Oscar would rather stay at Chelsea and fight for his first-team place. The former Internacional star has not started a Premier League game since September.

The midfielder is out of favour under Antonio Conte and the Blues may look to cash in on the player in January, with reports suggesting Chinese club SIPG cIf the move were to go through, Oscar would have a Brazil team-mate for company in Shanghai – striker Hulk is also on their books.

His former Chelsea team-mate Ramires is plying his trade in China too with Jiangsu Suning and a second, Demba Ba, plays for city rivals Shanghai Greenland.He will be meeting his former boss Andre Villa Boas.

Oscar’s retention does make a little bit of sense, though. The Brazilian is clearly committed to the club, and he was absolutely crucial last season. It could be argued that he still has a pretty significant role to play at the club going forward.