Celtic pushing to seal Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain deal before Europa League registration deadline
Celtic are believed to be edging closer to an agreement with free agent Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, with the club eager to wrap up the move within the next 24 hours so he can be included in their Europa League squad.
The former Arsenal midfielder has emerged as a serious target for the Parkhead side as he weighs up his next step. Because he is unattached, Celtic were under no pressure to complete a deal before the transfer window closed, but timing has now become crucial due to European registration rules.
Oxlade-Chamberlain has been keeping himself match-ready by training with Arsenal and had previously been thought to favour a move closer to London following the birth of his second child. However, indications now suggest he is open to a switch to the Scottish champions.
According to The Herald, talks between both parties have advanced and an agreement is drawing nearer. Should the move be finalised quickly, he could join Martin O’Neill’s squad in time for this weekend’s Scottish Cup tie against Dundee.
Securing the midfielder’s signature is reportedly a priority for O’Neill, who wants the deal completed by Thursday evening — the deadline for Celtic to register new players for their Europa League knockout play-off against Stuttgart. The first leg of that tie takes place at Parkhead on February 19.
If signed, Oxlade-Chamberlain would become Celtic’s sixth arrival of the winter period, following the deadline-day additions of Joel Mvuka, Junior Adamu and Benjamin Arthur, as well as earlier recruits Julian Araujo and Tomas Cvancara.
O’Neill recently acknowledged the interest in an interview with Sky Sports, stating: “We were speaking to Oxlade-Chamberlain. It may still happen because he’s out of contract and will have a number of options, probably closer to home. But if it materialises, that would give us something.”
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