There is a touch of nostalgia in the North London air. Former Arsenal star Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has made a surprise return to the Emirates, not as a signing, but as a free agent looking to reignite his career.

At 32, the once-explosive midfielder is training with Arsenal’s Under-21 squad to maintain fitness as he weighs his next move. It is a full-circle moment for the man affectionately known as “The Ox,” who left Arsenal in 2017 for Liverpool in a £35 million move that promised to take his career to the next level.

And for a while, it did. At Anfield, Oxlade-Chamberlain enjoyed memorable highs: from that thunderous Champions League run in 2018 to lifting Europe’s biggest prize the following year. But injuries repeatedly halted his progress, and after spells at Besiktas and brief stints abroad, he now finds himself at a crossroads.

Still, the fire clearly burns bright. Training among Arsenal’s rising stars isn’t just about fitness, it’s a statement. The Ox wants back in the Premier League, and his experience could make him an asset for teams seeking seasoned depth come January.

Insiders say Championship sides are already monitoring his situation, while a Premier League return isn’t off the table. His trademark versatility, being able to play central midfield, out wide, or even as a wing-back, makes him a low-risk, high-upside option for clubs in need of proven leadership.

For Arsenal fans, seeing Oxlade-Chamberlain back in familiar red and white brings a wave of nostalgia and maybe a hint of “what if.” From a teenage prodigy at Southampton to a six-year spell at the Emirates and beyond, his journey has been one of talent, resilience, and unfinished business.

Whether this stint leads to a new contract or simply serves as a stepping stone, one thing’s certain: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain isn’t done yet. Football has always loved a good comeback story, and the Ox might just be writing his best one yet.