Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could finally step out of the shadows with Celtic boss Martin O’Neill ‘very interested’ in his signature.
The 32-year-old remains a free agent after leaving Turkish side Besiktas in the summer.
He has been training with his former club Arsenal since November to keep fit, but hasn’t played a competitive match since an 11-minute cameo on May 11.
Celtic Boss Wants Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Celtic made five loan deals during the January transfer window, including three on deadline day in Junior Adamu from Freiburg, winger Joel Mvuka from Lorient and defender Benjamin Arther from Brentford.
They also fended off late interest from Nottingham Forest for midfielder Arne Engels.
O’Neill doesn’t want the club’s transfer business to end there and was asked about the possibility of signing Oxlade-Chamberlain.
He replied: “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 has been linked with numerous clubs, including Birmingham City in the Championship, Sunderland and Leeds United.
If he does sign for Celtic, he’d arrive with plenty of experience and a winner’s mentality.
He’s won seven major pieces of silverware, including the Premier League and Champions League with Liverpool and three FA Cup titles.
Celtic are currently under real threat of losing out on the title and sit six points behind table-toppers Hearts.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain New Club Demand
Oxlade-Chamberlain has revealed he has turned down offers but stated his desire to get back playing as soon as possible.
He also shared his intention to remain in England where he can be close to his family.
The midfielder said: “It’s a it’s not a nice situation for any footballer to be in. I’m fortunate enough that I’ve put myself in the situation where I can choose what’s best for me and I’ve said no to things.
“The majority of them (offers) have been in Europe, away from home. For me, I did two years away, which I found difficult on a family level.
“I was going six weeks, eight weeks without seeing my son, my missus, mum and dad, they didn’t even get a look in because if I ever come back for a day or two, it would be seeing them, seeing him, that was difficult.
“So, I just knew I don’t want to do that again. I want to be back in England. And it’s just waiting for the right thing to pop up back here, or close enough that that makes sense for a family thing.”
