The January transfer window might have slammed shut, but it still won’t stop Celtic from adding more players to their squad via the free transfer market.
Proof of that was in the summer when Celtic secured the services of striker Kelechi Iheanacho, and now the Hoops could turn to another experienced head in former Arsenal and Liverpool player, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Oxlade-Chamberlain is currently training with Arsenal’s first team, as they push on all fronts, looking to win the Premier League title, the League Cup, the FA Cup, and the Champions League.
Martin O’Neill has openly spoken about the Hoops wanting to sign Oxlade-Chamberlain, but understands that he could wear the Arsenal colours on a permanent basis again.
Could Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have an impact like Scott Sinclair did at Celtic?
Alex Oxlade Chamberlain of Besiktas looks on during the Turkish Super League match between Besiktas and Goztepe
Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain looking on ahead of Besiktas v Hatayspor in the Turkish Super League
Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/DeFodi Images via Getty Images
Arsenal could offer Celtic target Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain a contract
Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino has suffered a potential season-ending injury, and they didn’t use the January market to bring anybody in.
Speaking to Sky Sports, as Celtic’s clash at Aberdeen was postponed on Wednesday night, O’Neill shared that the Gunners might just offer Oxlade-Chamberlain a contract.
O’Neill admitted that he was ‘astonished’ nobody had signed Oxlade-Chamberlain, after he left Turkish giants Besiktas in the summer.
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But hinted that the 35-cap England international has a couple of options available to him that are ‘closer to home.’
Chris Sutton: “The signings, which have come into the club now, are quite young players. Would you have liked a bit more experience?”
O’Neill: “No, again, you make a very good point. We were speaking to Oxlade-Chamberlain. I think he is training at Arsenal at this moment.
“Arsenal may even offer him a contract. If that’s the case, really great. At 32, I had been astonished that he hadn’t been picked up.
“I know he was talking about his difficulties out in Turkey. Someone of that sort of experience would have been great. It may still happen because he is out of contract, but he will have a number of options, probably closer to home.
“If that materialises, then that would give us something.”
Where would Oxlade-Chamberlain play at Celtic?
When Oxlade-Chamberlain was first coming through as a youngster, he played wide right, but moved into the middle of the park during his experienced years.
If Celtic were to sign Oxlade-Chamberlain, he could offer something on the right flank, but you presume he would challenge the likes of Arne Engels, Benjamin Nygren, Reo Hatate, Paulo Bernardo and Luke McCowan for a starting spot.
In truth, the champions of Scotland will do more good than harm if they push for this deal, and at least he is someone who will contribute positively to the dressing room.
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