Celtic interested in signing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain | OneFootball

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has confirmed his interest in signing former England midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (32), describing discussions with the free agent as “very encouraging,” as reported by BBC Sport.

The 32-year-old has been without a club since leaving Turkish side Besiktas in the summer and has recently been training with former club Arsenal to maintain his fitness. Oxlade-Chamberlain, who won 35 England caps and enjoyed spells at Arsenal and Liverpool, remains an experienced option in the market as Celtic assess their midfield options for the second half of the season.

“I’ve spoken to him, and I’d be very interested in doing it,” O’Neill said. “He’ll have plenty of options, possibly closer to London, but I was surprised he hadn’t been taken up already.”

O’Neill added that Oxlade-Chamberlain was receptive to the idea of a move to Glasgow, aided by his friendship with former England team-mate Joe Hart. “I think he was very excited about what we were saying,” he said.

Oxlade-Chamberlain joined Besiktas after leaving Liverpool in 2023, scoring five goals in 50 appearances and winning the Turkish Cup in 2024 before agreeing to terminate his contract.

Celtic were active on deadline day, making three loan signings, while also rejecting a £25m bid from Nottingham Forest for midfielder Arne Engels. O’Neill, in charge until the end of the season, insisted the club remain open to permanent deals despite the challenges of the January window.

GFN | Finn Entwistle