Celtic Nears Signing of Free Agent Oxlade-Chamberlain

Celtic Football Club is advancing in negotiations to sign former Arsenal and Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as a free agent, with the Scottish champions expressing growing optimism that a deal could be finalized imminently.

The 32-year-old England international, who has been without a club since mutually terminating his contract with Turkish side Beşiktaş in August, has held direct discussions with Celtic manager Martin O'Neill. O'Neill confirmed the talks during a press conference on Tuesday, stating that he had spoken personally with Oxlade-Chamberlain. "I've spoken to him," O'Neill said. "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." The manager noted the player's recent training stint at Arsenal, his former club, adding that while Oxlade-Chamberlain lacks full match fitness, his overall condition is solid. O'Neill expressed surprise that other teams had not pursued the versatile playmaker more aggressively, despite his options potentially closer to London, where his family resides.

Talks have progressed positively in recent days, with sources indicating that an...