Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain hits transfer stumbling block with deadline approaching

Celtic is in talks to sign Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, but the former Liverpool and Arsenal midfielder is yet to agree a deal with the Scottish Premiership club

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

Celtic is in continuing talks with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, though the transfer of the ex-England international remains up in the air. Hoops boss Martin O'Neill is keen to bring in the 32 year old former Arsenal and Liverpool midfielder on a deal running until the season's end.

However, terms have yet to be finalised, with the cut-off point to register for the Europa League fixture against Stuttgart fast approaching. The Bhoys have begun medical assessments with the midfielder, who has been a free agent since ending his Besiktas deal last summer.

Whilst personal terms aren't thought to be problematic, negotiations have stalled over the contract length, with Oxlade-Chamberlain's advisors pushing for an extension clause at the season's conclusion.

Celtic maintain their interest, and it's understood that O'Neill wants the playmaker for the Premiership campaign as he can only make three squad alterations for Europe - having already brought in five signings in January.

Oxlade-Chamberlain is short of match sharpness, having last featured in May. Nevertheless, he has been keeping fit with his former club Arsenal in recent months, hoping to secure a deal at the Emirates.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has opted against this route and has informed several southern clubs. But O'Neill made his move after contacting the midfielder over the weekend, with additional discussions occurring in the past 24 hours.

Celtic remain eager to complete the deal, having also considered signing fellow free agent Tiemoue Bakayoko. It's anticipated that the agreement can be concluded shortly.

Bakayoko, a former Chelsea, Monaco and AC Milan veteran, is currently unattached after departing PAOK in Greece last summer and was being evaluated before Celtic turned their attention to Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Arteta spoke about Oxlade-Chamberlain recently, revealing: "It’s great to have him around. Very proud to have him because first of all he wanted to be back.

“So when that happens, he’s a player that’s been out and he wants to come, it’s a really good sign.

“It means that he feels loved here, respected and he believes it’s the right environment for him to again start to build something new in his career.

“We all know Alex, how a magnificent person he is. He can be a great example for the other players as well with his experience and even for me. So good to have him around.”