Sky Sports reports that Celtic are looking into a shock move for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. This interest comes even as the transfer window has shut. The 32-year-old midfielder is currently a free agent. Because of that, the Scottish champions can talk to him without worrying about the window being closed.
Celtic look for a surprise move for free agent Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Parkhead officials don’t feel any pressure to rush the paperwork. Instead, they are taking their time to see if bringing the former Arsenal and Liverpool man to Glasgow makes sense.
Right now, Oxlade-Chamberlain is keeping fit by training with Mikel Arteta’s squad at Arsenal. This means he’ll be ready to play right away if he signs. This move looks a lot like Celtic’s plan from earlier this season, when they grabbed Kelechi Iheanacho after the window had already closed.
Martin O’Neill could definitely use a player with this much experience. Oxlade-Chamberlain played 35 times for England between 2012 and 2019. During those peak years, he scored seven goals. He also made the cut for both Euro 2012 and the 2014 World Cup. Those high-stakes tournaments show the player can handle the pressure.
He started out at Southampton’s famous academy before moving to Arsenal for £12 million just before he turned 18. In seven years in North London, he won three FA Cups. That’s exactly the kind of winning habit Celtic need to keep winning trophies. While his talent is obvious, his long career has been tough on his body. Any team looking to sign Oxlade-Chamberlain will have to think about that.
Can the Englishman stay fit enough to help in the race for the Scottish Premiership title?
People have fair doubts about his injury record, but he can play in several spots. That gives Celtic a new way to break down teams that just sit back and defend. If the doctors give him the green light, his habit of driving forward from midfield could be huge for breaking down teams that park the bus at Celtic Park.
Still, the club have to be smart with the contract to protect their money. Signing Oxlade-Chamberlain is a gamble. It’s a choice of top-tier quality over whether he’s always available. Even so, it’s a bet that could pay off in those tight games where a bit of elite experience makes all the difference.
