Celtic, despite a slow start, have been quite active of late in the summer transfer window. They have roped in Christopher Julien, Luca Connell and Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo with the latter being viewed as the replacement of Kieran Tierney who is closing in on a move to Arsenal (according to Sky Sports News).
The Hoops, previously, have been linked to a move for France youth international Romain Perraud and according to reliable Stephen McGowan of the Scottish Daily Mail, they are still in the hunt for the Nice youngster ‘if or when’ Tierney leaves. The 21-year-old has joined Les Aiglons camp for the pre-season but might seek a summer move after criticising his current employers a few days back.
“I am under contract. I respect people, but this season, I did not receive a single call from then when was I performing very well. I have no news from the current representatives but Nice have missed the boat with me. I want a new challenge.”
Perraud had his spells with Toulouse Fontaines Club and US Colomiers Football before joining Nice’s academy set-up and featured for their youth side for a while. Despite making rapid progress, the promising fullback found his first-team minutes limited and was loaned out to Ligue 2 outfit Paris FC to experience senior football. There he enjoyed a productive spell last season having notched five goals in 32 league outings and is now expecting a fresh challenge elsewhere to continue his growth at a bigger platform.
The young sensation is rated for his blistering pace, overlapping runs on the left flank, pinpoint crosses and smart link-up play high up the pitch. He could be deployed as a left wingback if a ‘back three’ is preferred and also down the wing for his attacking attributes.
Emilio Izaguirre, the understudy to Tierney last season, has also parted ways after deciding not to extend his contract at Parkhead. Jonny Hayes was utilised as a makeshift left-back towards the closure of the previous campaign, but Neil Lennon must step up the chase for the Frenchman to cover and challenge Mbombo with multiple major honours to compete for next season.
