Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could have Celtic medical 'today' with Hoops talks advanced

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could have his Celtic medical today (Thursday 5th February), it is being reported.

Martin O’Neill’s side have completed five signings this winter, with all of them coming in on initial loans and three with an option to buy.

Late on deadline day, reports of Celtic holding an interest in Oxlade-Chamberlain emerged from the blue, leading O’Neill to comment on the links.

35-time England international Oxlade-Chamberlain has been a free agent since leaving Besiktas in the summer, and is currently training with Arsenal.

And the next step of his career looks set to be in Glasgow, with the deal nearing completion.

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Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain awaiting Celtic medical

According to James Savundra of Sky Sports, Celtic have reached advanced talks with Oxlade-Chamberlain, with a Thursday medical possible.

Celtic are said to be ‘confident’ of completing a deal.

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Ex-Arsenal and Liverpool midfielder Oxlade-Chamberlain has chosen his new club carefully, taking non-football factors into account.

His partner gave birth to their second child last month, and the midfielder has publicly voiced his desire to remain close to his family.

A move to Celtic would seemingly contradict this. His family could relocate, or Oxlade-Chamberlain could move himself as Joe Hart did in 2021.

The 32-year-old is close with Hart from their time together at England, and the Hoops hero will have no doubt sold the club well.

The extent of Oxlade-Chamberlain’s fitness isn’t yet clear, but he wouldn’t be expected to come straight into the Celtic starting XI.

Instead, he will bring some title-winning experience and respect to the dressing room, with plenty of football still left in the tank.

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Martin O’Neill on Celtic target Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Speaking on the potential signing of Oxlade-Chamberlain, O’Neill said: “No it’s not the money, it’s not for the money.

“I have spoken to him. Obviously I had a look at what he was doing in Turkey and it was fine.

“He was playing in a more withdrawn role, I think Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was out there and asked if he would help in that sort of position. You don’t lose ability.

“You might lose a bit of hunger, but he was definitely up for it. He was up for a challenge. At 32 years of age he’s still got it.

“He will have other options. He is training at Arsenal and Arsenal have had a few in so they might even take him on.

“But he knew about the club, he had spoken to Joe Hart, that was just by chance or a coincidence. I’m not saying he spoke to Joe Hart two days ago, it might have been months ago.

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