Celtic ‘doing due diligence’ on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain deal after he’s spotted at training ground
Celtic are considering a move to sign Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as a free agent as they aim to bolster their squad after the transfer deadline.
The 32-year-old has been training with Arsenal to maintain fitness following his departure from Besiktas and Mikel Arteta has refused to rule out signing him.
However, the midfielder could soon be set for a move to Glasgow as Martin O’Neill believes his side are in need of midfield reinforcements and could utilise the free agent market.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Celtic are working to assess the former England international’s condition before making a move.
Oxlade-Chamberlain‘s last senior appearance came for Besiktas in May, before he suffered a knee injury and ultimately saw his contract terminated.
Celtic considering move to sign Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Football Insider first revealed in September that Rangers were considering signing Oxlade-Chamberlain to bolster their midfield ranks while Russell Martin was in charge.
That interest later faded, but now the opportunity has arisen for Celtic to swoop ahead of their rivals if they decide he is worth taking the gamble on.
“He’s been away for a few years now but he’s training with Arsenal,” Brown told Football Insider.
“The Oxlade-Chamberlain that I know from his time in England would have been a very very strong and impressive signing for Celtic.
“But it’s hard to make a judgement on that now because he hasn’t played for over six months.
“Celtic will be working to find out the details, why he’s been out of the game, what his fitness levels are, whether he’s ready to play regular football again.
“They have to do their due diligence on a deal like this because there’s a lot of potential for it to be a waste of money if he can’t come in and make a difference.
“The fact Besiktas were happy to let him go is a bit of a concern for me, but he’s been training with Arsenal and maybe they’ll feel he’s worth the gamble.”
Celtic block deadline day exit for Arne Engels
Despite what proved to be a frustrating start to the transfer window, O’Neill was ultimately able to keep hold of his best players including Arne Engels.
Nottingham Forest made a move for Engels on deadline day, but were swiftly rebuffed in their advances with Celtic extremely reluctant to sell.
This came after Football Insider revealed Celtic would not accept offers for Engels as he remains a big part of O’Neill’s plans for the rest of the season.
The boss views the 22-year-old as an important part of his squad and will need him fit and available if they are to mount a title challenge in the coming months.
Celtic paid a club-record £11million to sign him from Augsburg in 2024, and would be looking to make a substantial profit if he was allowed to leave.
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