Celtic are closing in on an agreement to sign Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on a free transfer, with a medical possible today, according to Sky Sports journalist James Savundra.
The Hoops are in advanced talks to sign the free agent, with the Glasgow giants on the verge of completing a coup to bring the former Arsenal and Liverpool star to Celtic Park.
Oxlade-Chamberlain has been training with the Gunners in recent weeks following his exit from Besiktas by mutual consent in the summer.
The 32-year-old now looks set to be closing in on a return to football with the Bhoys under the tutelage of Martin O’Neill.
Celtic ‘Confident’ of Completing Oxlade-Chamberlain Deal
According to Sky Sports journalist Savundra, posting on X on Thursday morning, Celtic are now confident of sealing an agreement for Oxlade-Chamberlain.
O’Neill confirmed earlier this week that he had held direct talks with the Portsmouth-born star over a move to Parkhead, with the Englishman said to be ‘very excited’ about the discussions.
However, the Northern Irishman believed at the time of speaking that the 32-year-old would prefer to stay closer to London instead.
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.”
Oxlade-Chamberlain now appears to have changed his stance on the geography of his next move, as he closes in on joining Celtic.
The 32-year-old will bring a wealth of experience to Parkhead, having won the Premier League and Champions League with Liverpool, as well as three FA Cups with Arsenal.
O’Neill will want to use Oxlade-Chamberlain’s knowledge as the Hoops look to beat Hearts and Rangers to the Scottish Premiership title.
Celtic Racing to Get Oxlade-Chamberlain Deal Done
One of the reasons Celtic are racing to get a deal and medical across the line is that they need to register a maximum of three new eligible players for their European campaign before 11pm on Thursday.
Those players will then be able to face Stuttgart in the crucial Europa League play-off matches later this month.
With 235 Premier League appearances and 51 in the Champions League under his belt, with 29 goals across those two competitions, Oxlade-Chamberlain could be a very useful weapon for Celtic against the Bundesliga side, and for the rest of the season.
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