Celtic are edging closer to an agreement to sign Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on a free transfer, with a medical potentially taking place today, according to Sky Sports journalist James Savundra.
The Hoops are locked in advanced negotiations to land the free agent, with the Glasgow heavyweights on the brink of pulling off a major move by bringing the former Arsenal and Liverpool man to Celtic Park.
Oxlade-Chamberlain has been keeping fit with the Gunners in recent weeks after leaving Besiktas by mutual consent over the summer.
The 32-year-old now appears to be nearing a return to action with the Bhoys under the guidance of Martin O’Neill.
Celtic ‘Confident’ of Completing Oxlade-Chamberlain Deal:
According to Sky Sports journalist Savundra, writing on X on Thursday morning, Celtic are increasingly confident of finalising an agreement for Oxlade-Chamberlain.
O’Neill revealed earlier this week that he had held face-to-face talks with the Portsmouth-born midfielder regarding a switch to Parkhead, with the Englishman described as being ‘very excited’ by the conversations.
However, the Northern Irishman felt at the time that the 32-year-old would rather remain closer to London.
He said:
“I’ve spoken to him, but I’m sure he has plenty of options, maybe closer to London.
“I’d be very interested in doing it. I’m surprised people haven’t taken him up.
“I think he was very excited about what we were saying. He knows all about the club, he’s a big friend of Joe Hart and Joe has spoken to him – not on our behalf.
“It’s something we’re interested in but if it doesn’t materialise, it doesn’t materialise.”
Oxlade-Chamberlain now seems to have reconsidered his stance on location, as he moves closer to completing a switch to Celtic.
The 32-year-old would add a huge amount of experience to Parkhead, having lifted the Premier League and Champions League with Liverpool, along with three FA Cups during his time at Arsenal.
O’Neill will be keen to draw on Oxlade-Chamberlain’s expertise as the Hoops aim to fend off Hearts and Rangers in the race for the Scottish Premiership crown.
Celtic Racing to Get Oxlade-Chamberlain Deal Done:
One of the key reasons Celtic are pushing to finalise the deal and medical is the need to register up to three new eligible players for their European campaign before 11pm on Thursday.
Those additions would then be available to take on Stuttgart in the pivotal Europa League play-off ties later this month.
With 235 Premier League appearances and 51 outings in the Champions League to his name, alongside 29 goals across those competitions, Oxlade-Chamberlain could prove to be a valuable asset for Celtic against the Bundesliga opposition and throughout the remainder of the campaign.