Sky Sports: Celtic in ‘advanced talks’ to sign former Liverpool star | OneFootball

Celtic Step Up Talks for Alex Oxlade Chamberlain Transfer

Celtic’s summer recruitment drive has taken a notable turn, with fresh confirmation that discussions are moving quickly for a high profile addition. Credit must go to Sky Sports News, whose reporting has outlined the clearest picture yet of Celtic’s intentions as they look to add experience and pedigree to their midfield options.

According to Sky Sports, Celtic are pressing ahead in negotiations for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, a move that would undoubtedly raise eyebrows across Scottish football. It is a deal built on opportunity and ambition, with Celtic sensing the right moment to strike.

Advanced talks signal serious intent

The update from Sky Sports was concise but significant. “Celtic are in advanced talks with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.” That alone underlines how far this potential transfer has progressed in a short space of time. There is clear confidence from within the club too, with the report adding, “The Hoops are confident of completing the signing of the England international as a free agent.”

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At 32, Oxlade-Chamberlain would arrive with vast experience at the highest level, something Celtic value highly when blending youth with leadership. Sky Sports also revealed the urgency behind the negotiations, noting, “The 32-year-old could have a medical as early as today if a deal can be struck in the coming hours.” That sense of momentum suggests both parties see strong reasons to get this done quickly.

Martin O’Neill confirms discussions

Celtic’s interest has not come from the shadows. Sky Sports News previously revealed the pursuit earlier in the week, before confirmation arrived from the manager himself. “Sky Sports News revealed Celtic’s interest in Oxlade-Chamberlain on Monday, with Celtic boss Martin O’Neill confirming that he’d held talks with the player in his press conference on Tuesday.”

Those talks are a crucial detail. They show Celtic are selling a clear vision to the player, one that centres on regular football, domestic dominance and European nights at Parkhead. From a recruitment perspective, it also shows a willingness to act decisively rather than let opportunities drift.

Free agent status boosts appeal

Oxlade-Chamberlain’s availability is another key factor. Following his departure from Besiktas last summer, the midfielder has been maintaining his fitness while assessing his next move. Sky Sports reported, “The former Arsenal midfielder has been training the Gunners in recent months following his departure from Besiktas last summer.”

That link back to Arsenal underlines his professionalism and ongoing readiness. For Celtic, securing a player of this calibre without a transfer fee represents calculated risk with potentially huge upside. As one insider close to the situation suggested, this is about adding “top level mentality and versatility” to the squad rather than chasing a headline for its own sake.

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As a Celtic supporter, this report is pure excitement. You read “Celtic are in advanced talks with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain” and immediately start picturing Champions League nights, high tempo midfield battles and that extra bit of class in possession. This feels like a statement, not just to Scotland but to Europe.

Yes, there are questions around fitness and consistency, but free agents of this calibre do not become available often. The fact he has been training with Arsenal tells us the hunger is still there. For Celtic, this is about backing ambition with action. Bringing in a former England international sends a message that domestic success is not the ceiling.

Supporters crave players who have felt elite pressure, who know what it takes when the stakes are highest. Oxlade-Chamberlain ticks that box emphatically. If this deal gets over the line, it could energise the fanbase and elevate standards across the squad. For once, it feels like Celtic are not just reacting to the market, but shaping it, and that is something to get genuinely excited about.