Odsonne Edouard has hinted in a recent interview that he wishes to remain in Scotland next season and if fully committed to the cause at Parkhead. This despite heavy rumours linking him to Premier League side Arsenal.
This statement comes just days after Neil Lennon had said that the Frenchman could sign a new deal at the club which would invariably put the Gunners’ pursuit in grave danger this summer.
“There are discussions at the minute with his [Edouard’s] representatives,” said the Celtic boss, as reported by Goal.
“Ultimately he’s a player we want around. He’s a fantastic player. He’s really blossomed over the last couple of seasons. He had a magnificent season this year and we want to keep him. It’s as simple as that. We’re doing everything we can to keep him here for at least another season anyway.
Now while talking about the prospect of Odsonne Edouard remaining at Celtic, Noel Whelan has made it clear that the player should prove his loyalty to the Bhoys by putting pen on paper to the newly offered contract.
Whelan told Football Insider: “I think there’s a question mark right now because of how good he’s been at Celtic – I’m hearing whispers of Arsenal and other teams in the English Premier League being interested.
“There’s always that worry but there’s that worry in the Premier League as well – if you’re doing well there’s always going to be people sniffing about and looking. That’s just part and parcel of a good player and a goal scorer.
“It’s one of those nervy times between now and the start of next season that every fan goes through. If he’s that adamant he wants to be part of that (10 in a row), then there shouldn’t be too many discussions going on, he must have made his decision.
“If it’s coming down to financial, there’s just no way that Celtic can compete with the English top-four, they just can’t.
“If he really wants it and this is what he’s coming out and saying, and he’s not just saying it to pacify and please people, put pen to paper and get it done then.”
Edouard’s current deal with Celtic expires in the summer of 2022 but we are pretty confident the player will leave this transfer season, even if he does sign the new deal.
The chance of playing for a club like Arsenal is too large to turn down and so if the Gunners are serious about signing the 22-year-old then he will himself hand in a transfer request sometime in the coming months.
