Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has held talks with Celtic manager Martin O'Neill as the former Arsenal and Liverpool midfielder continues his search for a new club. The 32-year-old has been training with Arsenal to maintain fitness after leaving Turkish side Besiktas in the summer.
O'Neill revealed he has spoken to the player, expressing interest in a move to Celtic. "I've spoken to him, but I'm sure he has plenty of options, maybe closer to London. I'd be very interested in doing it. I'm surprised people haven't taken him up," O'Neill said. He added that Oxlade-Chamberlain was "very excited" about the club and that Joe Hart had spoken to him, though not on Celtic's behalf.
The comments come as Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta did not rule out re-signing Oxlade-Chamberlain following an injury to Mikel Merino. When asked if the midfielder was an option, Arteta said: "We explore every option." Earlier this season, Arteta praised Oxlade-Chamberlain as a "top character" and "one of the best characters I've met in football" while he was training with the Gunners.
Oxlade-Chamberlain began his career at Southampton before joining Arsenal in 2011, where he made 198 appearances and won three FA Cups. He moved to Liverpool for £35m in 2018, winning the Premier League, Champions League and Carabao Cup over 146 outings. He left Anfield in 2023 for Besiktas, but his contract was cancelled by mutual consent after two seasons.
