Celtic are showing ‘strong interest’ in Nantes defender Quentin Merlin this summer after multiple scouting trips to watch him in action.
The Scottish Daily Mail [15/08 print edition, back page] reports that Nantes have become aware of Celtic’s pursuit of the left-sided star and could entertain an exit for a fee in excess of £7m.
Although that’d be a significant outlay for the Scottish champions, it’s a fee well within their reach going by other transfers in recent years for Cameron Carter-Vickers, Jota and Odsonne Edouard amongst others.
Merlin is still just 21 but has made an impressive 64 appearances in all competitions for the Ligue 1 side and has represented France at every age group up to U21 level. He has primarily played as a left-back but has featured further forward on the left side of Nantes’ midfield, too.
During the 2021/22 season, he played a starring role in the club’s stunning French Cup win, their first major trophy in over 20 years. He also featured in four Europa League group stage matches last term, helping Nantes through to the knockouts.
Celtic being on the hunt for a new, versatile left-sided player makes sense with an upgrade on Greg Taylor and Alexandro Bernabei definitely possible. If Merlin could also feature in a more advanced role, all the better.
This is an exciting transfer link and Merlin has the kind of profile that Celtic fans had in mind this summer when considering the Bhoys’ resources and ambitions to kick on into a bright new era.
Although there’s a long way to go on this transfer going through, it’s undoubtedly a situation to track over the coming days as Brendan Rodgers looks to add quality to his first-team squad.
In other news, Reported Celtic transfer target makes UEFA Super Cup squad.
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