Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in advanced talks over transfer after Arsenal training agreement

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Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been training with his former club Arsenal since back in November following his release from Besiktas

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is in advanced talks to join Scottish giants Celtic after months of training with former club Arsenal.

The England international has been without a club since August when he left Besiktas following the mutual termination of his contract.

But now the 32-year-old is closing in on a return to action with Celtic as negotiations between the parties are progressing quickly.

The Ox was training with Arsenal at London Colney on Thursday but if all goes to plan, a deal could materialise in the coming days.

Speaking earlier this week, Mikel Arteta was asked whether Arsenal could consider a swoop for Oxlade-Chamberlain following Mikel Merino's foot injury.

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Arteta refused to pour cold water on the idea, stating: "We explore every option.”

The likelihood of that happening was always minimal, however, as the attacking midfielder has not played in the Premier League since he left Liverpool in the summer of 2023.

He mustered 50 appearances during two seasons at Besiktas, scoring five goals during his time in Istanbul.

Capped 35 times by England, Oxlade-Chamberlain also won the Turkish Cup with the Black Eagles in 2024 before returning to England in search of a new challenge.

Hoops boss Martin O'Neill has been very transparent about his interest in landing the former Arsenal and Liverpool man.

He 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 materialise, it doesn't materialise."

Celtic are looking for extra firepower as they are currently six points adrift of SPL leaders Hearts, though they do boast a game in hand.

The Hoops fended off strong interest from Nottingham Forest in midfielder Arne Engels on deadline day, snubbing multiple bids before also making three signings of their own.

Striker Junior Adamu joined on loan from Freiburg, winger Joel Mvuka arrived from Lorient and defender Benjamin Arther signed from Brentford.

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