According to the reports from the Daily Star, Celtic are one of the clubs that are interested in signing Charlton Athletic’s talented midfielder Joe Aribo. Along with the Hoops, their arch-rivals Rangers are also said to be in the mix. From England, Machester City and Aston Villa are also interested. Newly promoted Villa are considered the favourites to sign them.
The Hoops recently wrapped up the treble, but they will have a lot of rebuilding to do in the summer given the number of player exits they are set to have. Aribo played a pivotal role for the Charlton in League One as they won promotion to the Championship by defeating Sunderland in the playoff finals.
Update from Aribo’s manager
Charlton boss Lee Bowyer indicated that he could lose some of his key players, including Aribo. The English midfielder is in the final few months of his contract with Charlton, and he is set to be available on a free transfer. Bowyer recently said, ”You have got Joe Aribo, who is out of contract, who has improved so much it is frightening to watch. He is like a sponge.
“He just takes everything in and uses it, because he has got so many strengths but I’ve said it to him many times, and he won’t mind me saying, he has still got so much to learn so this is the right club for him to learn at. But whether he stays or not will be Joe’s decision.”
It’s clear that the manager and the club are not going to stand in Aribo’s way if he wants to move and there is no doubt that he could play at a higher level after his recent performances. The midfielder contributed with ten goal and five assists in all competitions this season.
Does Celtic need someone like Aribo?
There is no doubt in our mind that the Englishman would be a top addition for the Hoops as he is a midfield powerhouse. The Bhoys can lose Olivier Ntcham in the summer who is getting linked with Porto. The Frenchman’s form was torrid this season, and the Hoops should look to add a dynamic midfielder in their arsenal.
What makes Aribo stand out?
Aribo has shades of Patrick Vieira to his game as he is tall, lanky and almost too strong on the ball. He has an impressive passing range and can contribute with goals and assists. To with all that, the 22-year-old can do a top job defensively as well as he is good with his tackles and interception. All in all, he can be a perfect number eight for the club. However, Celtic might have to step up their pursuit as Villa are favourites to land him as of now.
