Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain Returns to Arsenal After Besiktas Exit

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain surprise returns to Arsenal sparks reunion talk after his contract termination in Turkey.

Former Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has temporarily returned to his former club after he and Turkish side Besiktas mutually terminated his contract. The 32-year-old, who is currently a free agent, has been training with the Gunners at their London Colney base as he considers his next career move.

Oxlade-Chamberlain’s appearance at Arsenal’s training ground has delighted fans and fueled speculation about a potential reunion. While the club has not announced any plans to re-sign him, Arsenal have welcomed the midfielder back to help him maintain fitness and support their youth development programs.

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He has been training primarily with the Under-21 and Under-19 squads, lending his experience to younger players preparing for competitions such as the UEFA Youth League. Manager Mikel Arteta has continued a long-standing Arsenal tradition, originally started by Arsène Wenger, of allowing former players to train at the club during transitional periods in their careers.

Reflecting on Oxlade-Chamberlain’s Arsenal Legacy

Oxlade-Chamberlain first joined Arsenal in 2011 from Southampton and went on to make around 200 appearances across all competitions during his six-year stay. His energy, versatility, and attacking drive made him a valuable asset under both Wenger and Unai Emery.

During his time at Arsenal, he became a regular feature for the England national team, earning 35 caps between 2012 and 2019. Whether deployed in central midfield or on the wings, “The Ox” was known for his pace, creativity, and ability to perform in big matches.

What’s Next for the Former Gunner?

Although Oxlade-Chamberlain is currently only training with Arsenal, his presence has reignited rumors of a potential return to English football.
Reports suggest that he is exploring Premier League opportunities, motivated in part by a desire to move closer to his fiancée, singer Perrie Edwards.

His presence at London Colney has also drawn praise from pundits, including Tim Sherwood, who believes Oxlade-Chamberlain’s experience will provide invaluable mentorship to Arsenal’s youth players.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s return, even if it is only for training, has brought back fond memories for many Arsenal supporters and brought back memories of his formative years in North London, even though a full-time return is still uncertain. Whether this marks the beginning of a new chapter with the Gunners or simply a stopover before his next move, one thing is clear: The Ox is back home, where it all began.

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