Rangers are reportedly interested in luring Crystal Palace midfielder McArthur to Ibrox.
The Daily Mail claim Rangers are looking to land Crystal Palace midfielder James McArthur on a free transfer ahead of the summer transfer window, but surely Celtic are in a better position to land the Scotland international.
The 30-year-old powerhouse is in the final months of his contract – which the Daily Star claim is worth a huge £55,000 a week – a wage way that eclipses the pay packets of Rangers’ highest earners.
But the three-year deal he signed in July 2015 is coming to an end, and the former Hamilton midfielder is now reportedly wanted at Ibrox ahead of the 2018-19 season.
McArthur, who moved to Wigan in 2010 from Hamilton, has been in decent form for relegation-threatened Palace, scoring five goals in 32 league and cup encounters.
But if McArthur demands anything like his current wage, a move to Ibrox will be near-impossible. Instead, a move to Old Firm rivals Celtic would seem much more affordable with the Hoops set to land a huge Champions League payment.
The Scottish Sun claim Celtic are set to receive £26.7million in total from this season’s campaign in Europe, making a move for 32-time Scotland star McArthur well within their financial reach.
Stuart Armstrong and Tom Rogic’s future at Celtic Park remain in doubt, with the duo set to enter the final year of their contract. Adding competition in the middle of the park to the likes of Scott Brown and Olivier Ntcham would bring the best out of Rodgers’ stars.
But most importantly, McArthur’s experience in the Premier League against the world’s best would make him a huge signing for either Celtic or Rangers. But the Hoops should look to land him over Rangers, with the latter unlikely to be able to afford his services.
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