Celtic’s talks with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain reportedly remain on a knife edge, with no deal agreed as the clock keeps ticking. SunSport report that conversations are still ongoing, but nothing has been signed yet, leaving the midfielder’s move uncertain with the Europa League squad deadline looming.
Martin O’Neill is keen to bring the former Arsenal and Liverpool man in over the coming days. The thinking is clear. Add experience to a squad heading into a demanding spell of league and European games, and do it without paying a transfer fee.
Oxlade-Chamberlain, now 32, has been a free agent since leaving Besiktas last summer and fits that short-term approach.
Celtic have already reportedly carried out medical checks. From the player’s side, money is not said to be holding things up. That part appears settled. The delay has come over how the deal is laid out rather than what it pays.
The main issue is the length of the contract. Celtic want a deal that runs until the end of the season. Oxlade-Chamberlain’s representatives are pushing for an option to extend if things go well.
The Europa League adds pressure. Celtic need to submit their squad for the Europa League tie against Stuttgart, and any new player must be registered before that deadline. Waiting too long could mean missing out on that chance, which would change the appeal of the move.
Tiémoué Bakayoko was also reportedly looked at as another free agent option, offering something different. For now, though, Celtic are still focused on trying to reach an agreement with Oxlade-Chamberlain.
The talks are not dead, but they are not done. It will come down to some kind of compromise.
Celtic want Oxlade-Chamberlain in training as soon as possible on a short-term deal. Oxlade-Chamberlain wants an agreement that leaves room for a longer stay. The solution seems obvious: if he makes enough appearances and plays enough minutes, it could trigger an extension in his initial contract after signing.
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