Celtic had ‘practically finalised’ a move for Tiemoue Bakayoko before signing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, according to a report.
Oxlade-Chamberlain is expected in Glasgow on Friday to become Martin O’Neill’s fifth signing since returning as interim manager.
The former England man would provide elite-level experience and much-needed cover for Callum McGregor in the midfield area.
However, it was also revealed on Thursday that Celtic had explored a deal for Tiemoue Bakayoko, with the Hoop scouring the free agent market.
Reports in France have now revealed just how close Bakayoko was to moving to Glasgow.
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Celtic’s Tiemoue Bakayoko move before Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Once a title-winning Champions League semi-finalist with Monaco, Bakayoko’s career was derailed by a disastrous move to Chelsea, and he has struggled with form and injuries ever since.
He has spent time on loan at Napoli, two spells at AC Milan and a year back at Monaco.
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Despite his undeniable pedigree, his last two spells at Lorient and PAOK have not proven very successful either.
And according to major French outlet L’Equipe, he was incredibly close to a move to Celtic before the Oxlade-Chamberlain deal was pursued.
The outlet says that Bakayoko came ‘within a hair’s breadth’ of signing for the Hoops on Thursday, with an eighteen-month contract on the table.
With an agreement ‘practically finalised’ between the parties, the club’s management ultimately opted for Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Oxlade-Chamberlain has been training with Arsenal in recent months, making him closer to full fitness upon signing. His career has also been comparatively more stable than Bakayoko’s.
They are also notably different players. Oxlade-Chamberlain has experience playing further forward, settling into a deeper role later in his career, whilst Bakayoko is an out-and-out defensive midfielder.
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Celtic boss Martin O’Neill on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Speaking at his most recent press conference, O’Neill spoke openly about progress made towards signing Oxlade-Chamberlain.
He said: “No it’s not the money, it’s not for the money. I have spoken to him. Obviously I had a look at what he was doing in Turkey and it was fine.
“He was playing in a more withdrawn role, I think Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was out there and asked if he would help in that sort of position. You don’t lose ability.
“You might lose a bit of hunger, but he was definitely up for it. He was up for a challenge. At 32 years of age he’s still got it. He will have other options. He is training at Arsenal and Arsenal have had a few in so they might even take him on.
“But he knew about the club, he had spoken to Joe Hart, that was just by chance or a coincidence. I’m not saying he spoke to Joe Hart two days ago, it might have been months ago.
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