Source:REUTERS/Lee Smith
[Saba Sports News] According to British media reports, English midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is expected to join Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta’s coaching staff after retirement. Since leaving Besiktas in August last year, the 32-year-old has been unable to find a new club and is currently looking for a new team as a free agent. It is understood that the former England international is in advanced talks with Celtic, hoping to continue his playing career.
In recent months, Oxlade-Chamberlain has been working towards obtaining his UEFA B coaching license with Arsenal. To maintain his fitness, he has been training with Arsenal’s U21 team. It is reported that Arteta greatly admires Oxlade-Chamberlain and wishes for him to join the Arsenal coaching staff after his retirement. The two played together at Arsenal from 2014 to 2016 and developed a close friendship.
During his six years with Arsenal, Oxlade-Chamberlain made a total of 198 appearances. Currently, due to age restrictions for coaching teams with a UEFA B license, Oxlade-Chamberlain can only coach Arsenal’s U19 or U18 teams. If he further pursues a UEFA A coaching license, it will take up to 12 months, allowing him to coach the first team or U21 team.