Celtic are set to bolster their squad with the short-term signing of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, with manager Martin O’Neill confirming the former Arsenal and Liverpool midfielder will undergo a medical ahead of completing a deal until the end of the season.
The 32-year-old, who has earned 35 England caps and brings a wealth of Premier League and European experience, has been a free agent since leaving Turkish side Besiktas in August. He has recently been training with Arsenal to maintain fitness, but now appears ready for a fresh challenge in Glasgow.
Speaking ahead of Celtic’s Scottish Gas Scottish Cup tie against Dundee, O’Neill sounded optimistic about getting the move over the line. He revealed that he had spoken directly with Oxlade-Chamberlain and believes the player is eager to join the Hoops despite having other potential options.
“I spoke to him this morning. I think he wants to come and I think he’s coming,” O’Neill said. “I would have assumed he’s had a number of options. There was even talk that Arsenal might take him on again if they picked up injuries, so I’m delighted that he’s going to come.”
The Celtic boss added that the midfielder is expected to complete a medical on Saturday, with hopes high that the deal will be wrapped up swiftly. For O’Neill, the move is less about reputation and more about readiness. He wants Oxlade-Chamberlain to compete immediately and work his way into the team as quickly as possible.
“This boy is here to try and play, try and get into the team and get as fit as possible as quickly as possible,” he explained. “It would be nice to have him here with the squad just for at least these couple of months.”
However, the timing of the transfer means Oxlade-Chamberlain will not be eligible for Celtic’s upcoming Europa League ties against Stuttgart, limiting his initial impact to domestic competitions.
His arrival also comes during a turbulent period off the pitch. Parkhead has been gripped by growing tension between supporters and the board, with some fan groups proposing a boycott of matches, beginning with the cup clash against Dundee. The Celtic Fans Collective has voiced frustrations over club leadership, calling for the departure of chief executive Michael Nicholson, the reinstatement of the banned Green Brigade ultras group, and improved access for fan media.
Interim chairman Brian Wilson has attempted to open dialogue with supporters, and O’Neill has urged all sides to seek compromise before divisions damage the club further. The manager warned that prolonged unrest could prove “debilitating” and undermine Celtic’s traditional sense of unity.
“There has to be a middle ground somewhere,” he said. “Celtic have always prided themselves on togetherness, and it’s strange for it to be in this shape. We need the fans in.”
For now, the focus will be on integrating Oxlade-Chamberlain and stabilising the mood around the club. If the medical goes to plan, Celtic will hope the experienced midfielder can provide both quality on the pitch and a timely boost during an unsettled moment off it.
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