Ex-Arsenal Star Moves Closer to Coaching Ambitions with Arteta Keen on Reunion

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is on course for an Arsenal return, as Arteta looks to reunite with the former midfielder in a backroom coaching role.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is edging closer to a return to Arsenal — not on the pitch, but on the sidelines as part of the coaching staff.

Mikel Arteta is considering reuniting with his former teammate as the club seeks to strengthen its backroom team with figures who embody Arsenal’s identity.

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Oxlade-Chamberlain has been working at Arsenal’s London Colney training base, completing his coaching badges while keeping fit as a free agent.

The 32-year-old, who left Arsenal for Liverpool in 2017, has been without a club since late 2025 — and has quietly started laying foundations for a post-playing career in coaching.

Arteta pushing for reunion

According to reports, Arteta has long admired Oxlade-Chamberlain and sees him as a future asset within Arsenal’s coaching staff.

The pair played together between 2011 and 2016, and sources close to the club describe Arteta’s interest as genuine and strategic, not symbolic.

The move fits a wider internal plan to restore Arsenal’s identity-led structure after recent exits from key off-field.

The club is actively reshaping its internal football operations following departures that have created gaps in leadership and culture.

Arteta’s vision focuses on bringing back former players who:

• Understand elite standards
• Know the club’s culture
• Can mentor young talent
• Fit modern coaching models

Oxlade-Chamberlain ticks every box.

Elite pedigree, modern profile

At Arsenal, Oxlade-Chamberlain made 198 appearances, won three FA Cups, and became a fan favourite.

At Liverpool, he lifted the Champions League (2019) and Premier League (2020).

Add 35 England caps and elite-level dressing room experience — and you get a profile perfectly suited to modern player development.

There is no timeline—but the door is open.

• No formal appointment date has been set.
• No contract discussions have been finalised.
• But the pathway is clear.

Arteta wants trusted figures.

Oxlade-Chamberlain is preparing for life in coaching.
Arsenal are rebuilding their internal structure.

The logic aligns.

A return to the Emirates — in a tracksuit, not a shirt — now feels like when, not if.

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