Celtic could be naming target from Arsenal

The new Celtic defender rumor mill hasn’t stopped just yet, and it probably won’t until the end of the January window. Apparently, the Bhoys are eyeing a young defender from one of the wealthiest clubs in the world.

The Celts have been primarily linked with defender Jack Hendry in this window. Rangers are said to have entered a bidding war for Hendry’s signature, while Celtic have the backup plan in store just in case the rival’s do snatch up the desired target.

And it’s not a bad backup plan either. Arsenal’s Krystian Bielik is one of those quiet, but young players with a load of potential. Playing in the Premier League 2 isn’t enough for the Poland native right now, and reports suggest he wants a permanent move away from the Emirates in this window.

Bielik would not be a bad second choice for the Bhoys. Honestly, the 20-year-old likely has just as much potential as Hendry does. Bielik loves to tackle and block shots. Even though he is listed as a center-back, he occasionally makes runs down the wing to send in crosses.

There are a couple of drawbacks with wrapping up a deal for Bielik however. First, Bielik’s market value is 2 million pounds meaning that Celtic would have to double that offer to get Arsenal interested. To put that into perspective, Hendry’s market value is half of 500,000 pounds.

BOREHAMWOOD, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 15: Chubba Akpom of Arsenal celebrates after scoring his sides first goal with Krystian Bielik of Arsenal during the Premier League 2 match between Arsenal and Derby County at Meadow Park on December 15, 2017 in Borehamwood, England. (Photo by James Chance/Getty Images) /

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And the Hoops are going to face some very stiff competition in the race for Bielik. The defender played some football with Polish outfit Legia Warsaw in the past, and the draw to play back home could make it difficult for Celtic to try and lure him to Scotland.

Goal points this out in their recent break of the news when saying:

"The Bhoys are reportedly in the market for defensive reinforcements this January, but they will face competition for Bielik, who has also been linked with a return to his former club Legia Warsaw."

The center-back seems like a very solid defender for right now and in the future. However, Brendan Rodgers might not be able to guarantee regular minutes which is what Bielik is trying to seek in the first place.

Plus, none of Celtic’s expected defender exits have made a move away yet. Marvin Compper was recently assured starting minutes once the season kicks back up into gear. The competition at the back-line may be too stiff for Bielik to just come in and play.

It’s a development to keep an eye on. However, the Celts are likely going to push hard to try and capture Hendry. If things don’t add up, fans most likely won’t be seeing Bielik wearing green and white any time soon.

Next: Celtic: Scott Brown thinking about the future

Could Celtic secure Bielik if a move for Hendry doesn’t follow through? Let us know in the comments section below.