Why Celtic should take a chance with Daniel Arzani for another season
According to The Sun, former Celtic star Mark Wilson has urged the club to sign Manchester City youngster Daniel Arzani again on loan for another season.
Arzani, 21, came through the ranks of the Eastern Suburbs youth system in Australia and moved to Melbourne City in the summer of 2016. Though he featured in just 6 league games in his first season in Melbourne, he came to the limelight in the following campaign, scoring 2 goals and providing 3 assists in the A-League.
His impressive performances earned him a move to Manchester City that summer and he was immediately sent on loan to Celtic. Since then, he has featured in just one league game for the Hoops and has spent the rest of the last two seasons on the sidelines due to a cruciate ligament rupture.
Meanwhile, Neil Lennon’s men have been dominant throughout the last few years and have extended their lead at the top of the table to 13 points over rivals Rangers this term also. They are on course to lift the Premiership title for the 9th time in as many seasons once the league resumes.
They have been flying high on the success of star striker Odsonne Edouard, who has netted 21 goals in the campaign. The attacking unit has been in top form since day 1 and Leigh Griffiths has also played the supporting role to his fullest.
Arzani, Mikey Johnston and Mohamed Elyounoussi are the three left-wingers available at the manager’s disposal. While Elyounoussi has been brilliant in the few opportunities he has received, scoring 4 goals and providing 2 assists in 10 league games, both Johnston and Arzani have been out for a long time due to injuries.
However, Norwegian international Elyounoussi is on loan from Southampton could be on his way back to England once his loan spell at Celtic Park ends in the summer (h/t The Scottish Sun). And Arzani is also on loan from Manchester City. This could leave Lennon with no proper backup in the new campaign.
Hence, to add depth to the squad, the manager should consider keeping hold of the 21-year-old Manchester City loanee for another year.
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Arzani may not have done much but once he recovers from injury, he would be a boost to the team in terms of squad depth. He had previously shown his qualities in the A-League and if he is able to replicate that form, he would turn out to be a valuable asset in their title chase in the new season.
Verdict
With limited options on either flank, Celtic must hold on to the youngsters in the squad who can be important as backup players and add depth to the side. Therefore, they should extend the 21-year-old’s loan spell and allow him to showcase his talent once he regains fitness.
