Celtic Manager Expresses Interest in Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is currently training with his former club, Arsenal. Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has engaged in discussions with the 32-year-old midfielder and expressed his strong interest in signing him.

Oxlade-Chamberlain, who has previously played for Liverpool and Arsenal, is now a free agent after leaving Turkish club Besiktas this past summer. With 35 caps for England, he brings considerable experience to any prospective team.

“I have spoken to him, but I am certain he has several options, possibly closer to London,” O’Neill noted. “I would be very keen to pursue this opportunity. I am quite surprised that no one has taken him on yet.”

O’Neill continued, “He seemed genuinely enthusiastic about our conversation. He is well-acquainted with the club and has a close friendship with Joe Hart, who has had discussions with him—although not on our behalf. While we are interested in this acquisition, if it doesn’t come to fruition, we will understand.”

Oxlade-Chamberlain mutually agreed to terminate his contract with Besiktas in late August. He joined the Turkish side after his release from Liverpool in the summer of 2023, where he made 50 appearances and scored five goals, helping the club secure the Turkish Cup in 2024.

On another note, Celtic recently made three loan signings on transfer deadline day, acquiring striker Junior Adamu from Freiburg, winger Joel Mvuka from Lorient, and defender Benjamin Arther from Brentford. They also turned down a £25m bid from Nottingham Forest for midfielder Arne Engels.

Earlier in the month, Czech forward Tomas Cvancara joined from Borussia Monchengladbach, along with Bournemouth’s Mexican defender Julian Araujo, both on loan.

O’Neill, who will remain in charge until the end of the season, clarified that the club is not solely focused on temporary signings. “The January window presents challenges for permanent acquisitions,” he stated, mentioning that winger Fares Ghedjemis opted to stay at Frosinone in Serie B, while other players have moved for significant fees.

He added, “The players we were considering investing in would have made a positive impact on the team, and I believe they would have been appealing options for my successor as well.”

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