Key Points
- Celtic in advanced talks with free agent Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, 32-year-old ex-Arsenal and Liverpool midfielder.
- Medical potentially scheduled for Thursday ahead of Europa League registration deadline at midnight.
- Celtic manager Martin O’Neill confirmed interest and held talks with the player, praising his fitness and excitement about the club.
- Oxlade-Chamberlain has been training at Arsenal since leaving Besiktas in August and knows Celtic through Joe Hart.
- Celtic recently signed five players in January, facing key matches including Scottish Cup and Europa League play-off against Stuttgart.
Glasgow (Glasgow Express) February 5, 2026 – Celtic are advancing towards signing former England international Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on a free transfer, with discussions reaching a critical stage ahead of a potential medical today.
The 32-year-old midfielder, who has 35 caps for England, became a free agent after mutually terminating his contract with Besiktas last August. He has kept fit by training at former club Arsenal’s facilities. Sky Sports reports Celtic’s confidence in sealing the deal, noting the medical could occur on Thursday to meet the Europa League play-off registration deadline against Stuttgart.
What are the latest developments in the transfer talks?
According to Sky Sports, Celtic are in advanced negotiations with Oxlade-Chamberlain, following interest revealed earlier this week. The Scottish champions held further discussions with the player’s representatives, described as constructive by sources close to the midfielder. The Celtic Star indicates the club is edging nearer to a deal, with manager Martin O’Neill set to resume negotiations after a postponed match.
As reported by Martin Crawford of 67 Hail Hail, Oxlade-Chamberlain could undergo a medical today as Hoops talks progress. GiveMeSport echoes this, stating Celtic are closing in on an agreement with the medical possible on the same day.
Why is the timing so crucial for Celtic?
Celtic face a midnight Thursday deadline to register players for their Europa League play-off first leg against VfB Stuttgart on February 19. The club already signed five players in January, including Tomas Cvancara, Junior Adamu, Joel Mvuka and Benjamin Arthur under O’Neill. Their Scottish Premiership game at Aberdeen was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch, slipping them to third place.
How has O’Neill addressed the potential signing?
In a press conference, O’Neill confirmed his liking for Oxlade-Chamberlain, stating:
“I do. I genuinely do. Yes. He has trained at Arsenal for some time since his time in Turkey. In terms of fitness, it’s not match fitness, but it’s fine.”
He added the player was excited about the discussions and has spoken with Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart. O’Neill noted:
“He could play midfield for us easily.”
What happens next if the deal completes?
A successful medical would allow Oxlade-Chamberlain to bolster Celtic’s squad for upcoming fixtures, including the Scottish Cup against Dundee on Saturday. The move adds experience ahead of a congested schedule across competitions. OneFootball reports Celtic progressing with the deal for the former England international.
Celtic aim to finalise arrangements swiftly to strengthen their title challenge and European campaign.
