Arsenal training sighting sparks debate over former Red’s next destination

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been spotted training with Arsenal’s senior squad, sparking speculation about a possible return to his former club.

From a Liverpool standpoint, the situation carries mixed emotions.

Oxlade-Chamberlain gave committed service during a successful spell at Anfield, even though persistent injuries stopped him from fully realising his potential in red.

Now a free agent, the 32-year-old appears to be moving closer to a switch back to London.

Reports from Arsenal Youth indicate he has progressed from under-21 sessions to working with the first team.

“Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain took part in the latter stages of training with Arsenal’s first-team squad today.”

That detail is significant, as it points to more than just maintaining fitness.

“It’s the first time he has been photographed training with the senior side since returning.”

The fact he was wearing a trialist number further reinforces the idea that this is an assessment rather than a ceremonial gesture.

“He trained in a ‘T3’ shirt, a number typically reserved for trialists.”

Why Oxlade-Chamberlain is back at Arsenal

Oxlade-Chamberlain has been without a club since departing Besiktas.

In recent months, he has been keeping himself match-fit with Arsenal’s under-21s, and this step up suggests the club are at least open to evaluating him at first-team level.

From his perspective, the reasoning is straightforward: London is home and Arsenal is familiar territory.

At this stage of a career heavily affected by injuries, Premier League opportunities are limited.

From Liverpool’s angle, there is a lingering sense of regret that he was not able – or perhaps not given the chance – to follow a similar route back to Anfield.

It may be that no move was explored, or simply that being closer to family is his priority.

What seems less probable is a Premier League return via a club outside London.

The big question is whether this actually leads to another spell in an Arsenal shirt.

For now, all signs point to a trial rather than a contract.

Training alongside the first team is not the same as signing, but it does place Arsenal in a strong position should he show he can still meet elite-level demands.

What his last season’s numbers show

Oxlade-Chamberlain’s final season in Turkey indicated he could still handle the physical side of the game, even if his attacking returns were limited.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – Besiktas league stats 2024/25 (via Sofascore)

Appearances: 18

Starts: 14

Minutes played: 996

Goals: 1

xG: 0.66

Shots per game: 0.7

Assists: 0

Pass accuracy: 85%

Tackles per game: 0.9

The data suggests a player who can still offer structure and reliability, but not one likely to significantly alter a team’s attacking output.

That’s why any genuine Arsenal interest would probably be about squad depth rather than a starting role.

For Liverpool fans, the feelings are understandably complex.

He lifted major trophies at Anfield, spoke openly about the high standards set by Jordan Henderson, and was part of a group that achieved the game’s biggest honours.

It’s possible to wish him well without wanting to see him thrive in the colours of a rival.