Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was released by Besiktas in August following a two-year spell with the Turkish giants and has been training with Arsenal's under-21s to maintain his fitness
ISTANBUL, TURKEY - FEBRUARY 15: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain of Besiktas looks on during the Turkish Super League match between Besiktas and Trabzonspor at Turpas Stadium on February 15, 2025 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is a free agent(Image: Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)
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Free agent Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is targeting a return to the Premier League in the January transfer window. The former Arsenal, Liverpool and Southampton star had his contract with Besiktas terminated in August, having spent two years in Turkey.
Oxlade-Chamberlain, 32, is currently training with Arsenal's under-21s, featuring in practice matches against Manchester United and Watford. The 35-time England international, whose last cap came more than six years ago, wants a top-flight move as soon as possible and believes that he can set an example for youngsters.
In an interview with the Athletic, Oxlade-Chamberlain affirmed: "I feel like I can add value on the pitch but also show the right way to train, the right way to act on and off the pitch.
"I'm in the bracket now where I've been lucky enough to play for top clubs, win things and work with top managers. I know a lot more now than I did when I started out."
The midfielder is taking inspiration from Premier League veterans such as Brighton duo Danny Welbeck and James Milner, who he played alongside for England. Ex-Liverpool team-mate Jordan Henderson is also contributing for Brentford.
"(They are) perfect example," Oxlade-Chamberlain explained. "It shows you that, if you look after yourself and work hard, you can still be effective.
"And knowing Welbz, I just know the value that having him and James Milner - two very different characters - will bring to that dressing room in terms of the standards they set. In some aspects, I don't feel any older than I did at Arsenal. I struggle to think of myself as 30.
"I've always thought you don't retire before you're 35, but I guess I'm into the business end of it now where you've got a lot more perspective on everything and you have a lot more reality thrown at you than when you're 21. I want to play. I don't feel old. I'm fit, and I've still got that hunger."
LONDON COLNEY, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 03: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain attends a training session of Arsenal FC ahead of the UEFA Champions League match between Arsenal FC and SK Slavia Praha at Sobha Realty Training Centre on November 03, 2025 in London Colney, England. (Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images)
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is training with Arsenal's youth team
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Mikel Arteta's appraisal could help Oxlade-Chamberlain get what he wants after the Arsenal boss lauded his personality. "Top. Top character. One of the best characters I've met in football," Arteta hailed.
"If we can help him and give him the space for him to get up to speed and have the capacity to find a club. It's a joy, the boys will learn from it. I had the privilege to play with him and if he is around he will be a really good role model to have around the team."
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