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Stuart Armstrong’s future plans will dictate Celtic’s summer signings

By Andrew Coppens

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - MARCH 12: Stuart Armstrong of Celtic is congratulated by team mates after he scores the opening goal during the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Rangers at Celtic Park on March 12, 2017 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - MARCH 12: Stuart Armstrong of Celtic is congratulated by team mates after he scores the opening goal during the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Rangers at Celtic Park on March 12, 2017 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) /
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There is no doubt that Celtic’s 2016-17 season has been a special one, and one that seemingly came out of nowhere. One player that has mirrored Celtic’s season has been midfielder Stuart Armstrong.

What most didn’t see coming was that Rodgers was going to transform the roster already in place and add a few key parts. One of the biggest players in Celtic’s successful season has been right under the nose of Rodgers and Celtic for a few years now — midfielder Stuart Armstrong.

He’s been a revelation for Rodgers and this Celtic side, playing in 31 league games and making 35 starts across all competitions this year. Not only has the 25-year-old been a stalwart in the Starting XI, but he’s become a goal-scoring wonder.

Seemingly out of nowhere, Armstrong has bagged 14 league goals and seven assists. It has been remarkable considering he has put up just four goals in the previous two seasons of SPFL action at Parkhead.

The increased production with a top manager around him has drawn plenty of praise, but it also has drawn attention from outside Scotland. A report from the Daily Record indicates that Armstrong may not be a shoo-in for a new contract at Celtic this offseason.

He’s apparently drawn attention from EPL squad West Bromwich Albion and may have a career-changing decision to make this offseason.

Celtic assistant Craig Davies is certainly aware that the unbeaten run and impressive play of the squad will draw attention from outside sources.

"One of the consequences of what we are achieving is that people get linked with other clubs. That’s a positive because it means you are doing something really good. Stuart has said himself he wants to stay. We want to keep our best players here."

The good news is that with 12 months remaining on a current deal and Celtic having plenty more to offer thanks to its Champions League windfall, holding on to him shouldn’t be a problem.

What might be is the pull of playing in the toughest club competition in the world. Already having the likes of West Brom in the mix could bring other suitors as well, but can the Bhoys get to him before the market really heats up?

Given Armstrong’s already stated wish to stay at Celtic and Celtic’s want-to to extend a new deal, it seems like something big would have to come in for him to make a move anywhere.

If Armstrong does go, it certainly will mean a much more active summer on the transfer market for Rodgers and Co. and it will also mean a lot of transition for the side on the pitch as well. After all, Armstrong did wear the captains armband in the absence of Scott Brown.

This is a situation to keep an eye on, with the likely scenario of a new deal certainly the favorite move to be made.