Celtic target set for medical as midfielder prepares to wave goodbye to Arsenal

Celtic are closing in on a deal to sign former Arsenal and Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, with negotiations now at an advanced stage. The 32-year-old has been without a club since August, when his contract with Besiktas was mutually terminated.
Oxlade-Chamberlain has spent recent months keeping fit by training with Arsenal while weighing up his next move. Although there was talk that the Gunners could offer him a short-term contract, it now looks increasingly likely that he will continue his career in Scotland with the reigning Premiership champions.
Sky Sports report that Celtic are on the brink of finalising the transfer, with a medical scheduled for Thursday afternoon. The same report claims the club have beaten off strong competition for his signature, with Birmingham City and Leeds United also keen on the experienced midfielder.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Celtic manager Martin O’Neill confirmed he had already held discussions with Oxlade-Chamberlain. “I’ve spoken to him, but he has plenty of options, possibly closer to London,” O’Neill said. “I’d be very interested in making it happen. I’m surprised more clubs haven’t moved for him.
“He seemed very excited by what we talked about. He knows the club well and is a close friend of Joe Hart, who has spoken to him independently. We’re interested, but if it doesn’t come off, it doesn’t come off.”
Oxlade-Chamberlain had also been mentioned as a possible short-term option for Arsenal after it was confirmed that Mikel Merino would need surgery on a foot injury. Asked about that possibility, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said: “We explore every option.”
Arteta has previously praised the midfielder’s influence, describing him as “a top character” and “one of the best I’ve met in football.” He added that having Oxlade-Chamberlain around the squad was beneficial, both as a role model and for the younger players, noting their shared history as teammates.
The Portsmouth-born midfielder joined Arsenal from Southampton in 2011 for £15 million and went on to make 198 appearances, winning three FA Cups during his six years at the Emirates. He moved to Liverpool in 2017, where he became a popular figure at Anfield and played a key role in their Premier League-winning campaign in 2019/20, alongside lifting several other major honours.