Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to finally join new team as medical scheduled

Former Liverpool and Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is closing in on a move to Celtic, with a medical scheduled for Thursday after training with Arsenal as a free agent

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

Celtic is in advanced discussions to secure former Arsenal and Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

The 32-year-old has remained clubless since his contract was terminated at Besiktas in August. He has been maintaining his fitness by training with Arsenal over recent months while searching for a new deal. There was speculation that the Gunners might offer him a free transfer, but he is now set to join the Scottish Premiership team instead.

According to Sky Sports, Celtic is on the verge of completing Oxlade-Chamberlain's signing, with a medical arranged for the midfielder on Thursday. It's reported that Martin O'Neill's club has overcome "lots of competition" for his services, with Birmingham City and Leeds among the other teams reportedly interested.

This follows O'Neill revealing that he had conducted discussions with the player during a press conference on Tuesday.

When questioned about Oxlade-Chamberlain, Celtic manager O'Neill commented: "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.

Oxlade-Chamberlain during his time at Besiktas(Image: Getty Images)

"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."

Oxlade-Chamberlain had surfaced as a temporary solution for Arsenal following confirmation that Mikel Merino required surgery on a bone injury to his right foot.

When questioned about the possibility of recruiting Oxlade-Chamberlain, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta responded on Monday: "We explore every option."

The Portsmouth-born midfielder initially joined Arsenal from Southampton in 2011. He ultimately spent six years at the Emirates Stadium, featuring in 198 matches and claiming three FA Cups.

Oxlade-Chamberlain departed the Gunners to join Liverpool in 2017, where he became a beloved figure at Anfield, playing an important role in the team's Premier League triumph in 2019-20 and securing numerous other significant trophies.

He left the Reds when his contract expired in 2023 and chose to move to Besiktas. Having made 50 appearances over two seasons, Oxlade-Chamberlain parted ways with the Turkish side by mutual agreement last August.

Now, having trained alongside the Arsenal first-team since November, Oxlade-Chamberlain has received an opportunity to head north to Scotland and feature for Celtic, a team that is pursuing a fifth consecutive league championship.

The Hoops return to action when they welcome Dundee in the Scottish Cup fifth round on Saturday. They then face Livingston four days afterwards before making the journey to Kilmarnock on Sunday, February 15.