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Celtic boss Martin O’Neill has revealed that he has held talks with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain following his return to Arsenal. The English midfielder has been without a club since leaving Turkish side Besiktas in the summer.

He was given the chance to train with Arsenal earlier this season in an effort to keep up his fitness amid his search for a contract. But now it appears that a move north of the border could potentially be on the agenda.

Asked about Oxlade-Chamberlain, Celtic boss O’Neill 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."

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O’Neill’s comments come after Arsenal boss Arteta was asked about the chance of signing Oxlade-Chamberlain amid the Gunners’ midfield crisis. Mikel Merino has been ruled out for some time with a foot injury.

Asked if Oxlade-Chamberlain could be an option, the Spanish coach replied: "We explore every option.

“Top. Top character,” Arteta said earlier this season when the midfielder was training with Arsenal. “One of the best characters I’ve met in football.

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“If we can help him and give him the space for him to get up to speed and have the capacity to find a club. It’s a joy, the boys will learn from it. I had the privilege to play with him and if he is around he will be a really good role model to have around the team.”

Oxlade-Chamberlain, 32, started his career with Southampton ahead of a move to Arsenal in 2011. He went on to make 198 appearances for the Gunners, scoring on 20 occasions and winning three FA Cups before a switch to Liverpool in 2018 for £35m.

He made a further 146 outings for the Reds, winning the Premier League title, the Champions League and the Carabao Cup. The midfielder left Anfield in 2023 to link up with Besiktas but he spent just two seasons with the club before seeing his contract cancelled by mutual consent.

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