Joseph Okumu says he is ‘happy’ at KAA Gent after the defender’s agent admitted interest from Celtic and Premier League giants Arsenal, speaking to Het Nieuwsblad.
Excellent in the air and boasting a passing range most central midfielders would be proud of, the comparisons between Okumu and one Virgil van Dijk are not a million miles wide of the mark.
The Kenya international, during his time at Elfsborg, was likened to Liverpool’s talismanic Dutchman. In fact, the Allsvenskan club’s sporting director even went as far as to describe Okumu as potentially the finest central defender in nearly 100 years of Swedish top-flight football.
Lofty praise indeed.
And, after 12 months in Belgium, Okumu may soon be ready to take another step up the footballing ladder.
Agent says Arsenal, Dortmund and Celtic like Joseph Okumu
“We have had informal interest from English side Arsenal and Scottish giants Celtic,” the 25-year-old’s representative said earlier in the summer.
“But German side Borussia Dortmund are the first side to make an official inquiry. He is open to a move if a proper agreement is reached.”
Okumu, however, was reluctant to give too much away when breaking his silence this week. The well-travelled, 6ft 4ins giant is in no rush to leave the Jupiler League so soon after arriving. But nor did he close the door on a move away, even if links with Arsenal, Celtic and Dortmund have gone cold over the last month or so.
“I only think about (leaving) if there is an agreement between all parties,” Okumu says. “I rely on my agents for that.
“So far, I’m just focusing on football. If anything becomes concrete, I’ll let you know. I’m still happy to be here. I’ll stay calm and see what happens.
“I’m playing right now and that’s fine for me.”
The chances of Celtic stepping up their interest could depend on whether the out-of-favour Christopher Jullien finds a new club between now and September. The injury-hit Frenchman saw a move to Schalke collapse recently.
Arsenal, meanwhile, have welcomed William Saliba back from a terrific loan spell at Marseille. After a Man of the Match performance against Crystal Palace, he could be here to stay too.
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