Arsenal might have one last chance to complete emergency transfer Mikel Arteta didn't rule out

Mikel Arteta may now have an opportunity to complete an Arsenal transfer he did not rule out, with discussions elsewhere hitting a stumbling block.

Celtic are still locked in negotiations with former Arsenal star Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The 32-year-old has been training at his old club for the last few months, before he was eyed up as a free agent by the Scottish champions.

Injury problems for Mikel Arteta in midfield - with Mikel Merino requiring surgery on a foot issue - saw Oxlade-Chamberlain suggested as an addition until the end of the season.

When asked specifically if he was an option during his press conference on deadline day, the Arsenal boss simply said: "We explore every option."

However, Celtic quickly emerged as his likely destination and Hoops manager Martin O'Neill is eager to have him in his squad for the next few months. However, Record Sport have claimed the agreement is yet to be finalised - with the deadline to register for the Europa League fixture against Stuttgart drawing near.

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It was further stated that Celtic had commenced medical assessments with the midfielder - who has been without a club since terminating his Besiktas contract last summer.

Personal terms are not said to be an issue, but the discussions encountered an obstacle regarding the duration of the contract - with Oxlade-Chamberlain's representatives seeking an extension clause at the end of the campaign.

Celtic maintain their interest and it is understood O'Neill wants to acquire services for the Premiership campaign as he is restricted to just three squad changed for Europe - having already completed five January acquisitions.

Oxlade-Chamberlain is short of match sharpness having been inactive since last May, but O'Neill still wants him on board and made contact with the midfielder at the weekend with additional discussions in the past 24 hours.

Celtic still want to sign the ex-Liverpool star despite these problems, but have also considered fellow free agent Tiemoue Bakayoko.

Former Chelsea, Monaco and AC Milan stalwart Bakayoko is seeking a new club following his departure from PAOK in Greece last summer, and was mooted before focus shifted to Oxlade-Chamberlain.

If those potential issues are not ironed out, though, Celtic might well turn to Bakayoko and, therefore, Oxlade-Chamberlain could feasibly return to training at London Colney and then even become a short-term signing for Arsenal if more problems arise for Arteta.

Following Merino's issue, Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka also suffered problems with the latter pulling out in the warm before the Leeds United game.

Arsenal's captain delivered a bright cameo off the subs bench at Elland Road, with Arteta explaining he picked up an issue during his 29 minutes on the pitch.