Oxlade-Chamberlain: Arsenal Reunion or Celtic Challenge?

Oxlade-Chamberlain: Arsenal Reunion or Celtic Challenge?

Arthur Jones
Arthur Jones
Published: Feb 03, 2026

Celtic are reportedly interested in signing free agent Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who is training with Arsenal. The midfielder has been without a club since leaving Besiktas in August, and he could now be on the verge of finding a new club. Mikel Arteta has also been asked about the former England star's future and whether he could stay on at Arsenal.

What if a familiar face, once a fan favorite, made a sensational return to North London? The football world is buzzing with speculation as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, currently training with Arsenal's youth teams, could be on the verge of a shock move back to the Emirates. With Mikel Arteta refusing to rule out a free transfer and Celtic reportedly circling, the midfielder's next chapter is truly up in the air.

  • Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is currently training with Arsenal's U21 squad to regain match fitness.
  • Mikel Arteta hinted at the possibility of a shock free transfer to bolster his squad.
  • Celtic has emerged as a rival suitor, reportedly interested in signing the free agent.
  • Oxlade-Chamberlain proactively initiated his return to Arsenal training.

The Gunners Comeback: A Whispered Possibility

The story of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is intrinsically linked with Arsenal. Joining in 2011, he spent six impactful seasons with the club before a significant £35 million move to Liverpool in 2017. Now a free agent after his stint with Besiktas, Oxlade-Chamberlain sought out his former club to maintain fitness, working with the academy. This self-initiated return has now unexpectedly opened the door for a potential senior team reunion.

Arteta's Strategic Silence Sparks Hope

The possibility of a sensational return gained traction after manager Mikel Arteta addressed the media. Following the injury to versatile midfielder **Mikel Merino** and the club's inability to secure a loan replacement on deadline day, questions about **Oxlade-Chamberlain** arose. Arteta, a former teammate of Ox, refused to rule out a move, stating,