Forgotten ex-Arsenal star makes surprise appearance for Gunners Under-21s

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was back in an Arsenal shirt as he took part in a behind closed doors friendly for the club.

The 35-cap England international has been without a team since August after having his contract with Besiktas terminated.

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Since then, Oxlade-Chamberlain has reportedly turned down a number of offers to play abroad once more.

However, the 32-year-old is believed to prefer a deal in England.

As he attempts a comeback, the player turned out for a Gunners’ Under-21 side against Manchester United, according to reporter Nathan Salt.

The player has been training with his former club since the start of November.

He got minutes in the game along with returning Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus and wonderkid Max Dowman.

Brazil striker Jesus is on the comeback trail following an ACL injury sustained against the Red Devils in the FA Cup in January.

It’s reported Arsenal won the match 3-0 with Dowman and Charles Sagoe Jr two of the goalscorers on the day.

When it was announced the midfielder was returning to the club where he spent six seasons, Mikel Arteta, his former teammate and now their head coach, was delighted to have him back.

“Top. Top character. One of the best characters I’ve met in football,” he said.

“If we can help him and give him the space for him to get up to speed and have the capacity to find a club. It’s a joy, the boys will learn from it.

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“I had the privilege to play with him and if he is around he will be a really good role model to have around the team.”

Meanwhile, former Tottenham and Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood identified a great solution for the ex-Liverpool star.

He told Sky Sports News in November: “If I’m Jack Wilshere – and I know it’s League One – I am absolutely ringing his phone off the hook for him to come and play for his old mate, and help out that group at Luton.

“But he might have his sights a lot higher – and he probably has.”

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s career

The 32-year-old began his footballing life with Southampton but after one full season in League One with them he was signed for an initial £12million by Arsenal.

Aged 18, he became the Gunners’ 150th Premier League player but made his debut in a shock 8-2 defeat at the hands of Manchester United.

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A month later he would beat Theo Walcott’s record as the youngest Englishman to score in the Champions League, one that is now held by Jude Bellingham.

Oxlade-Chamberlain made almost 150 appearances for the club before a £35million transfer to Liverpool.

He spent six years at Anfield, winning the Champions League and a Premier League title but was dogged by injuries.

He left the Reds in 2024 for Turkish giants Besiktas making 50 appearances before leaving in the summer.