Celtic are said to be confident of wrapping up a deal for a new striker. The Bhoys are now stepping up their transfer efforts after a sluggish start to the summer transfer window that has seen them fail to register a single deal so far.
Every one of their Scottish Premiership rivals has managed to secure at least one addition, but Celtic's wait goes on, much to the frustration of Martin O'Neill, one would imagine.
Celtic's striker problem
There are no positions with a greater need than the striker position at Celtic currently. O'Neill has just one striker on the books after the departure of Kelechi Iheanacho at the end of his contract. The experienced forward remains an option for the Bhoys, but they seem to be prioritising other avenues.
Celtic only have Callum Osmand on their books as things stand, as far as strikers go, and while he scored in the league decide against Hearts, it's likely he will be a number two or three next season.
Duran talks remain on track
According to Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph, talks are still ongoing between Celtic and Qarabag over striker Camilo Duran. It's claimed the Bhoys fell short with their initial offer, but Qarabag want £3million and there is confidence of striking a deal.
Joseph posted on X: UPDATE: Qarabag are looking for a fee of around £3m for their forward Camilo Duran. It’s understood Celtic and the Azerbaijani club are hopeful of reaching a deal. Negotiations are ongoing."
Duran scored five Champions League goals last season, which is the main reason Qarabag are able to cash in having only signed the sriker for around £175,000. The Azerbaijan side are going to make a big profit on the Colombian frontman, but Celtic will still see the fee as a rather affordable one.
As far as the Scottish champions are concerned, they are signing a goalscorer with Champions League experience, and indeed experience of scoring in the biggest club competition of all, and for only £3million.
Given the Bhoys need two or three striker signings this summer, that fee would be a big win. It will then be interesting to see whether the Bhoys are tempted into a big-money striker signing as they prepare to welcome big money for the sales of Arne Engels and Daizen Maeda. The Hoops could bring in more than £40million for those sales alone, but whether they will spend that money is another question.
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