Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain handed route back into soccer after transfer talks

Former Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has held talks with Celtic boss Martin O'Neill about a potential move to Scotland, while Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta considers his midfield options amid an injury crisis

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain might finally secure a new club(Image: Getty Images)

Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has disclosed that he has conducted discussions with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain following his return to Arsenal to train.

The former Liverpool midfielder has been without a club since departing Turkish outfit Besiktas last summer. He was afforded the opportunity to train with Arsenal earlier this campaign in a bid to maintain his fitness while searching for a new contract.

However, it now seems that a switch north of the border could potentially be in the offing. When questioned about Oxlade-Chamberlain, Celtic manager O'Neill said: "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.

"I think he was very excited about what we were saying. He knows all about the club, he's a big friend of Joe Hart, and Joe has spoken to him - not on our behalf.

"It's something we're interested in, but if it doesn't materialize, it doesn't materialize."

Oxlade-Chamberlain has been training with Arsenal(Image: Getty Images)

O'Neill's remarks follow Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta being questioned about the possibility of signing Oxlade-Chamberlain amidst the Gunners' midfield crisis. Mikel Merino has been sidelined for an extended period with a foot injury.

When asked if Oxlade-Chamberlain could be a possibility, the Spanish manager responded: "We explore every option."

"Top. Top character," Arteta said earlier this season when the midfielder was training with Arsenal. "One of the best characters I've met in football.

"If we can help him and give him the space for him to get up to speed and have the capacity to find a club.

"It's a joy, the boys will learn from it. I had the privilege to play with him, and if he is around, he will be a really good role model to have around the team."

The 32-year-old began his professional journey at Southampton before joining Arsenal in 2011. He featured 198 times for the Gunners, netting 20 goals and claiming three FA Cup victories prior to his transfer to Liverpool in 2018.

During his Anfield stint, he accumulated 146 appearances for the Reds, helping the Reds win the Premier League title and Champions League, among other honors.

The midfielder departed Liverpool in 2023 to join Besiktas, though his stay lasted merely two campaigns before his deal was terminated by mutual agreement.