Arsenal are one of four major European clubs interested in the signature of Celtic talent Karamoko Dembele, according to an exclusive report from website TEAMtalk.
Now that negotiation channels have been set-up in the wake of Kieran Tierney’s departure, the Gunners are said to be hopeful that the new transfer relationship leads to a deal for Dembele.
However, the report states they’ll have competition, with Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund and Juventus also all credited with an interest.
Dembele has been a much hyped talent for years but burst onto the first-team scene last season when he became age-eligible.
Neil Lennon gave him a senior debut at home to Hearts before naming him on the bench for the Scottish Cup Final.
This season he’s had injury problems but continues his development with the reserves side. However he was training with the first-team as recently as this weekend.
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Much to worry about?
If there is serious interest from a number of European giants, you’d imagine both the player and his representatives would be at least be keen on hearing what kind of development path they see for the young attacker.
The progress of someone like Billy Gilmour is an example of how a move from Scotland to a club in a bigger league can work out. The 18-year-old has gone from being a player in Rangers’ development squad to being on the fringe of Frank Lampard’s first-team in just a couple of years.
However, if Dembele didn’t see the initial years of his career being spent at Celtic he would not have signed a professional contract with the club. Less than a year ago he committed until the summer of 2021.
It’s more likely that Dembele gets a body of games under his belt at the Hoops. Lennon is a big fan and has shown already he is willing to give the player minutes.
Hopefully we see more of the teenager over the coming weeks and months.
Until firm offers come in for the player, Celtic don’t have any tough decisions to make.