Former Gunner’s hopes of Premier League return dashed

Former Gunner Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain didn’t get the Premier League transfer he wanted this summer, but he has been keeping a close eye on Arsenal’s transfer market.

ISTANBUL, TURKEY: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain of Besiktas celebrates scoring his first goal for his team during the Turkish Super League match between Besiktas and Fenerbahce at Besiktas Park stadium on December 9, 2023. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)

Former Arsenal player Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was in talks over a return to England this summer, with links to clubs including Ipswich Town and even Championship side Sheffield United.

The Besiktas player was keen to return to England and his club were willing to let him leave if he could find the right destination.

Reports suggested that Besiktas were open to a sale or loan, with all parties open to finding an amicable solution for him to return to the UK.

In the end, nothing happened and the 31-year-old will remain in Turkey for another season.

ISTANBUL, TURKEY: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain of Besiktas celebrates with teammate Gedson Fernandes after scoring his team’s first goal during the Turkish Super League match between Besiktas and Fenerbahce at Besiktas Park stadium on December 9, 2023. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)

Oxlade-Chamberlain has clearly been keeping a close eye on the English summer transfer market and posted reports about Raheem Sterling’s move to Arsenal after it was confirmed.

“Yeah yea yeah, I’m feeling it,” Oxlade-Chamberlain said in response to Arsenal’s Instagram post. “Big tings a gwaaan @sterling7”

Assuming Oxlade-Chamberlain doesn’t move to one of the few leagues whose transfer window is still open, it seems his focus now is on reintegrating into the Besiktas squad. He didn’t feature in any of their games in August.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA: Arsenal’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain during a training session at Koraragh Oval on July 12, 2017. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Oxlade-Chamberlain joined Besiktas from Liverpool last summer, making 30 appearances for the Super Lig club, scoring four goals.

The former Gunner made 198 appearances for Arsenal in six years, before making 146 appearances for Liverpool in the following six years.