Celtic fans might have something to cheer about as the Scottish champions move closer to landing a high-profile signing.
Former Arsenal and Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is reportedly in advanced talks to join the club.
The 32-year-old’s potential arrival could add a boost of experience and quality to the midfield ahead of the new season.
Free Agent Opportunity
After mutually terminating his contract with Turkish side Besiktas in August, Oxlade-Chamberlain has been keeping fit by training with former club Arsenal.
While he isn’t currently at full match fitness, Celtic are optimistic about his condition and see him as a realistic target.
If talks continue positively, the England international could even undergo a medical by the weekend.
Other Options on the Table
Despite Celtic’s growing hopes, Oxlade-Chamberlain still has multiple opportunities to explore.
His next move isn’t set in stone, meaning the Scottish side will need to act quickly to secure his signature.
Manager Confirms Discussions
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill addressed the situation during his Tuesday press conference, acknowledging the ongoing discussions.
“He has trained at Arsenal for some time since his stint in Turkey,” O’Neill said.
“In terms of fitness, it’s not full match fitness, but it’s fine. We’ll see how things develop.
And listen, he’s got loads of options. I think he was very excited about what we were saying. He knows about the football club.”
Personal Connections
Interestingly, Oxlade-Chamberlain shares a friendship with goalkeeper Joe Hart, who has spoken to him recently.
O’Neill clarified that Hart’s conversations were informal and not part of Celtic’s official recruitment efforts, but the link may have helped keep the club on his radar.
What Comes Next
As talks progress, Celtic supporters will be watching closely for a potential announcement.
A medical in the coming days could signal that the deal is moving toward completion, giving the club a valuable midfield addition just in time for the season.
