Odsonne Edouard (Getty Images)
According to Daily Record (h/t The Express), Arsenal are interested in signing Celtic star Odsonne Edouard to bolster their attack ahead of the new campaign.
The report suggests that the Hoops boss Neil Lennon is desperate to keep the Frenchman in their quest for the 10th title. But the Gunners are keeping tabs on Edouard along with league rivals Brighton, who are also keen to secure his services, as per the report.
Born in French Guiana, Edouard has represented France at various age-group levels. He flourished through the ranks of Paris Saint-Germain’s youth system but couldn’t break into the club’s senior set-up and was sent on loan to Toulouse.
He then once again moved on loan and joined Celtic in the summer of 2017. After impressing with the Hoops during his loan spell, his move was made permanent the following summer.
Since then, he has gone on to establish himself as one of the best players in the Scottish League and has helped his side lift three league titles and two Scottish Cups. He managed to rack up 27 goals and 19 assists in 45 games across all competitions last season.
The Gunners have been excellent since the arrival of Mikel Arteta midway through the last season. Despite starting the campaign on a poor note, Arsenal managed to finish in the 8th position in the league, whilst also lifting the FA Cup and the Community Shield title last month. And this clearly indicates their progress under the Spanish tactician.
At the moment, they have three centre-forwards in their ranks. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was brilliant throughout the campaign, racking up 22 league goals and also netting in the FA Cup final against Chelsea. He also scored in the Community Shield clash against Liverpool.
They also have Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah in their attacking unit. The Frenchman struggled last season but he is capable of doing well and young Nektiah has done a decent job whenever he was called upon. He has also improved a lot and can be seen as a future prospect.
The Gunners can also call upon another youngster, Gabriel Martinelli, once he is fully fit. The Brazilian made a solid impression in his debut season last term.
Thus, making a move for Edouard seems unnecessary. The Daily Mail suggest that Celtic want £40m for the former PSG man and it would be a waste of resources for the Gunners, who already have enough quality upfront. Thus, Arsenal should refrain from making a move for him.
With plenty of options for the present and the future, Arsenal have no need to bring in another striker. Thus, they must avoid any move for Edouard. Instead, look to strengthen other key areas ahead of the next season.
