Ex Arsenal ace targeted by Leeds United and Sheffield United in potential 'career resurrection'

Former Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could be offered the chance to resurrect his career in UK football by Leeds United or Sheffield United this January amid talk of a transfer race for the ex England international.

The 31-year-old is currently at Turkish outfit Besiktas but has endured an inconsistent time since leaving Liverpool in May 2023. Oxlade-Chamberlain then signed for Besiktas that summer and has now been with the side for a year and a half.

A serious thigh injury last season hasn't helped the winger's integration into Turkish football and he has become a fringe figure under Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The former Premier League star hadn't played at all until the Manchester United legend arrived in January.

Leeds United linked with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Since then, he has made six appearances but only two of those have been starts. In total, Oxlade-Chamberlain has managed 36 Besiktas appearances since joining, scoring five goals.

The Sun claims that Solskjaer is willing to give the ex Liverpool man a chance but that the player is keen to end his time in Turkey and return to England. Brentford were linked with the forward last year and the report adds that there is Premier League interest still from strugglers Leicester City and Wolves.

Championship sides Leeds United and Sheffield United are also named as potential suitors as they chase promotion back to the top flight. Besiktas are reportedly 'likely to allow' Oxlade-Chamberlain to leave on loan this month with a view to a permanent switch if the move goes well.

Turkey spell proving difficult for ex Arsenal winger

The former Gunners man's fiancée, Little Mix star Perrie Edwards has opened up on the struggles he has faced since leaving the UK. Speaking in April, she said:  “I have to be honest – I’m not going to sugarcoat it – it’s blooming hard . . . it’s really hard. I’m struggling a bit with the Turkey situation. When he played for Arsenal it was great because he was just down the road. Liverpool, Manchester, not that bad, but Turkey!

“Turkey is a little bit further and the thing is they are so busy. They train every day practically. But do you know what? We make it work, because we make it work for the ones we love. So it’s fun, it’s exciting. It still keeps it fresh, I think.”

Oxlade-Chamberlain, who has 35 England caps, spent six years at Arsenal between 2011 and 2017. He played 198 times for the club, more than he has at any other side, and bagged 20 goals.

The winger lifted the FA Cup three times with Arsenal before moving to Liverpool in 2017. Over three years at Anfield, he went on to win the Premier League in 2020 and the Champions League in 2019.

On leaving Liverpool two years ago, the player said: “I think ‘journey’ is the right way to put it. It has been a journey but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every single minute of it. Of course there’s been some tough times but there’s been some absolutely amazing memories and amazing times.”

In other news, Arsenal have ‘stepped up' transfer talks, while the Crystal Palace owner has made a sacking decision