According to a recent report from Football.London, Arsenal have extensively scouted Celtic’s striker Odsonne Edouard over the course of the season. The Gunners are closely monitoring his progress ahead of the upcoming transfer window. Celtic meanwhile are looking to tie Edouard down to a new contract. Other Premier League heavyweights like Manchester United are also interested in the forward.
The French striker has had a stellar campaign for the Hoops, and he has lived up to the expectations of being Celtic’s record signing. Edouard initially impressed on loan before Brendan Rodgers decided to splash £9m for him in 2018.
Edouard has gone from strength to strength as the 21-year-old has 27 goals to his name this season to go with his 19 assists. Hence, it is no surprise that some top clubs are looking at him. Lennon meanwhile had already warned the Hoops faithful that Edouard might not stay around for long as the manager admitted that sometimes ‘business dictates otherwise’.
Lennon’s comments regarding Edouard’s future
Regarding Edouard’s future, Lennon had said in February (Daily Record), “We want to keep him for as long as we can, but sometimes business dictates otherwise. You don’t get too many foreign players nowadays doing what Henrik did and staying here for seven years.”
It is clear that Lennon was trying to make sure that the fans didn’t have false hopes of Edouard staying for the next 2-3 years. Celtic will eventually face an offer which will be too good for them to refuse. The likes of Arsenal and Manchester United have the financial power to blow the Hoops away with a top offer.
What can Lennon do?
All Lennon can try to do now is to get the best value out of him. As mentioned, Edouard’s contract runs until 2022. If the Hoops can get him on a new deal then maybe the club would be in a better position to negotiate more from prospective buyers.
Edouard is yet to hit his prime as he is still 21. More than just a goal scorer, the French forward contributes immensely in the build-up play, and that is the reason why he has 19 assists to his name. He already seems to have mature head over his shoulders, and Celtic will likely find it hard to keep him beyond this season. It remains to be seen whether Lennon and Co would be able to tie him down to a new deal or not.
