Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is back on familiar turf at Arsenal as he prepares for the next chapter of his career.
The 32-year-old midfielder, who previously spent six years at the Emirates Stadium under Arsene Wenger, is currently a free agent following a mutual termination of his Besiktas contract this summer.
With his sights reportedly set on a return to English football, Oxlade-Chamberlain is also hoping to be closer to his fiancée, former Little Mix singer Perrie Edwards, and their young son.
Training at London Colney
Arsenal have opened their doors to the former England international, allowing him to keep up his fitness at the London Colney training facility.
While Oxlade-Chamberlain works primarily with the Under-21 squad, his presence has been a boost for the club’s younger players.
Tim Sherwood, speaking on Sky Sports News, described it as “incredible” for the academy players.
He even suggested that an unexpected reunion with former teammate Jack Wilshere could be on the cards.
“I think it’s a great move for Oxlade to get himself fit, and it’s fantastic for the academy boys coming through at Arsenal,” Sherwood said.
“If I were Jack Wilshere and knew he was available in League One, I’d be ringing him nonstop to get him to help out.
But Oxlade probably has ambitions higher than that.”
Besiktas Exit and Career Stats
Oxlade-Chamberlain joined Besiktas in 2023 on a three-year deal but struggled with injuries and eventually fell out of favour.
He made 50 appearances for the Turkish side, scoring five goals and providing one assist, and helped them lift the Turkish Cup in the 2023-24 campaign.
Besiktas paid him a severance fee of €1.75 million (£1.58 million) when the contract was terminated.
Since then, speculation about his next destination has been rife, with Birmingham City reportedly showing interest.
Returning to England and Family Life
A move back to England would also allow Oxlade-Chamberlain to reunite with Perrie Edwards.
The couple, who have been together for nine years, have never lived together full-time.
Edwards revealed in 2024 that balancing her solo music career and family life with their two-year-old son has been challenging, particularly while Alex was playing abroad.
“It’s hard,” she admitted. “When he was playing for Liverpool, it was manageable, but Turkey is further away, and he doesn’t get a lot of time off.
I’m trying to launch a solo career while having a toddler—it’s a lot to juggle, but we make it work for the ones we love.”
Career Highlights in England
Oxlade-Chamberlain began his professional career at Southampton before signing for Arsenal in 2011.
During his six-year spell with the Gunners, he made 198 appearances, scored 20 goals, and won three FA Cups.
In 2017, he joined Liverpool, where he enjoyed a trophy-laden period.
He won the Champions League, Premier League, League Cup, UEFA Super Cup, and Club World Cup, scoring 18 goals in 146 appearances for the Reds.
Internationally, he earned 35 caps for England between 2012 and 2019, finding the net seven times.
What’s Next for the Midfielder?
As Oxlade-Chamberlain continues training at Arsenal, the football world watches closely.
Whether he aims for a return to the Premier League, a stint in the Championship, or another ambitious challenge abroad, one thing is clear: the midfielder is determined to stay match-fit and ready for his next opportunity.