The Hoops want to sign Oxlade-Chamberlain but have a plan B in place if it doesn't come off
16:48, 05 Feb 2026
Tiemoue Bakayoko celebrates with Michy Batshuayi
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Tiemoue Bakayoko celebrates with Michy Batshuayi(Image: PA)
Celtic have a plan B in mind if a deal can't be done for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – with former Chelsea and AC Milan midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko on their radar.
The Hoops are closing in on a deal to sign the ex-Liverpool and Arsenal midfielder and are understood to be hopeful of registering him in time for Thursday's Europa League squad deadline.
Martin O'Neill is keen to get a deal done but he has other free transfer options on the table he'll consider in the event of a dramatic collapse.
One of which, it's been reported by Sky Sports, is Bakayoko.
The former France cap was a £35m signing for Chelsea in 2017 but struggled for minutes at Stamford Bridge and spent the bulk of his career out on loan – with two spells at Milan bookending stints at Monaco and Napoli.
His most recent spell away saw him win Serie A in 2022 and it's claimed he was near the top of a list of names being considered by Celtic before they stepped up their pursuit of Oxlade-Chamberlain.
And it's believed Bakayoko, who left PAOK on a free in January, is considered a backup option to the former England star.
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The 31-year-old brings a wealth of experience and was one of the best players in the 2016/17 Champions League which earned him his move to the Premier League.
He played 43 times in total for Chelsea, scoring three times, but played more for Milan and Napoli where he was considered a top Serie A midfielder.
It remains to be seen where he goes next if Celtic doesn't come to fruition.