The ex-England and Liverpool playmaker is currently training with former club Arsenal
13:59, 03 Feb 2026Updated 14:00, 03 Feb 2026
Liverpool title-winner Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
View 2 Images
Liverpool title-winner Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Martin O’Neill has confirmed Celtic are in the hunt to land Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Free agent Oxlade-Chamberlain has been training with former club Arsenal since November and Mikel Arteta refused to rule out offering the 32-year-old midfielder a short-term deal.
But Hoops boss O'Neill is keen to offer for the ex-England international a chance to kickstart his career at Parkhead. As the former Liverpool title-winner is without a club, Celts can sign him whenever they please.
O'Neill confirmed he's held talks with the playmaker and said: "I do, I genuinely do (like him). He’s trained at Arsenal for some time. I’ve spoken to him, but I’m sure he has plenty of options, maybe close to London.
“I'd be very interested in doing it. I’m surprised no one has taken him up. He’s telling me he’s not got match fitness but he’s trained with Arsenal for some considerable time.
“I think he was very excited about what we were saying. He’s a big friend of Joe Hart, and he speaks to him, so he knows all about the club.
Celtic interim manager Martin O'Neill
View 2 Images
Celtic interim manager Martin O'Neill (Image: PA)
“It’s something we’re interested in but if it doesn’t materialise, it doesn’t materialise.
Meanwhile, O'Neill insists he was content with the club's January business after adding five new faces to his squad.
He said: “Yeah, I’m happy. It’s nice to get a few people in, I think they can help in the manner of the two other new arrivals who have come in and been fine.
“If they can make a similar contribution
Celtic booted out a club-record equalling £25million bid from Nottingham Forest for Arne Engles
And O'Neill added: “For here it’s an awful lot of money. Personally I’m delighted the board turned it down because it’s tempting, it’s really big money for here.
“So great credit to the board. They turned it down before telling me.
“He (Arne) didn’t kick up a fuss about it either. His agent has said Arne is happy here.
Article continues below
“We can relook at things in the summer time but that was a major statement."