Could Arsenal’s loss be Celtic’s gain? Mikel Arteta’s heartfelt message to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has sparked a whirlwind of speculation, but the reality might not be as straightforward as it seems. Earlier this week, Arteta left the door slightly ajar for Oxlade-Chamberlain’s potential return to the Gunners, especially after Mikel Merino’s serious foot injury. But here’s where it gets controversial: despite the chatter, there’s no concrete evidence that Arsenal ever seriously considered re-signing him. Instead, Celtic have swooped in, with manager Martin O’Neill confirming on Friday that a deal is all but done. 'I spoke to him this morning, and I think he wants to come,' O’Neill revealed, adding, 'I’m delighted he’s going to join us.'
Oxlade-Chamberlain, who bid farewell to Arsenal on Thursday before heading to Scotland, is expected to sign a six-month contract with the option to extend for another year. And this is the part most people miss: while Arteta praised Oxlade-Chamberlain as 'brilliant' and cherished their recent reunion, he also acknowledged the midfielder’s tough period, wishing him the best 'whatever he decides to do.' The pair, who joined Arsenal in 2011 and spent five years as teammates, share a bond that goes beyond the pitch. Arteta reflected, 'It’s been great to share some time with him, his experiences, and relive some great memories. Hopefully, we’ve been able to support him during this challenging time.'
But is Celtic truly the best fit for Oxlade-Chamberlain, or is this a missed opportunity for Arsenal? With O’Neill hinting that Oxlade-Chamberlain had multiple options—including rumored interest from Arsenal due to injury concerns—it’s clear this move raises questions. Could Arsenal regret not bringing him back? Or is Celtic’s gamble set to pay off? Let’s spark a debate: Do you think Oxlade-Chamberlain made the right choice, or should Arsenal have fought harder to keep him in the fold? Share your thoughts below!
