Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in talks to join Celtic after Arsenal transfer tease | Football | Sport

Martin O’Neill has revealed Celtic are pursuing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as they look to strengthen their squad. The free agent midfielder has been keeping fit with former club Arsenal since November, with Mikel Arteta declining to dismiss the possibility of handing the 32-year-old a temporary contract on Monday. He merely smiled and said: “We explore every option.”

However, Hoops manager O’Neill is eager to present the former England international with an opportunity to revive his career at Celtic Park. Given that the ex-Liverpool title winner remains clubless, the Bhoys are free to secure his signature at any point. O’Neill has acknowledged holding discussions with the player, stating: “I do, I genuinely do (like him). He’s trained at Arsenal for some time. I’ve spoken to him, but I’m sure he has plenty of options, maybe close to London.

“I’d be very interested in doing it. I’m surprised no one has taken him up. He’s telling me he’s not got match fitness but he’s trained with Arsenal for some considerable time.”

“I think he was very excited about what we were saying. He’s a big friend of Joe Hart, and he speaks to him, so he knows all about the club. It’s something we’re interested in but if it doesn’t materialise, it doesn’t materialise.”

Meanwhile, O’Neill maintains he was satisfied with the club’s January transfer activity following the addition of five fresh faces to his squad.

He said: “Yeah, I’m happy. It’s nice to get a few people in, I think they can help in the manner of the two other new arrivals who have come in and been fine.

“If they can make a similar contribution”, Celtic rejected a club-record equalling £25million offer from Nottingham Forest for Arne Engels.

O’Neill continued: “For here it’s an awful lot of money. Personally I’m delighted the board turned it down because it’s tempting, it’s really big money for here. So great credit to the board. They turned it down before telling me.

“He (Arne) didn’t kick up a fuss about it either. His agent has said Arne is happy here. We can relook at things in the summer time but that was a major statement.”