At this point in time, it looks like Celtic are looking to strengthen all across the pitch. The forward areas are certainly getting a lot of attention with the Hoops in need of a striker as well as a winger or two in this summer transfer window. And it looks like a very promising Arsenal player is set to be available as a free agent.
Arsenal's academy has produced some brilliant players in recent years. Surprisingly, they are set to allow a very promising talent to leave this summer after his contract was not renewed.
We are talking about none other than Nathan Butler-Oyedeji. The 22-year-old has been a standout for Arsenal at the youth levels and has made a couple of senior appearances for the senior team so far. But now, he is set to be in search of a new team this summer.
This could be an opportunity for Celtic to swoop in and sign Butler-Oyedeji on a free transfer. He is capable of playing both on the wing and as a striker. And he is a leader as well, having captained Arsenal in the Premier League 2 level last season.
Celtic can sign 22-year-old Arsenal forward for free
Butler-Oyedeji was particularly impressive in Premier League 2 in the previous campaign. According to stats from Transfermarkt, in just 13 appearances, he scored 9 goals and provided 6 assists as well. Those numbers look even more impressive when you consider that he played as a winger in most of those games. It is quite clear that he is ready to make the jump to the next level.
That chance won't come at Arsenal. But several teams around Europe might be ready to hand him an opportunity. So far, we have seen the likes of Sturm Graz and FC Copenhagen be linked with a move for Butler-Oyedeji.
Celtic should join that race as well. In fact, it is pretty surprising that they have not been linked with him so far. He ticks a lot of boxes that the club look for when it comes to signing new talent and this could prove to be a smart signing.
Celtic continue to be linked with both strikers and wingers right now. Kawasaki Frontale's Shin Yamada is the latest centre-forward rumoured to be on their radar. On the other hand, the likes of Michel-Ange Balikwisha of Royal Antwerp and Sondre Orjasaeter of Sarpsborg 08 continue to be brought up as options to strengthen their options on the flank.