Celtic have failed to replace Stuart Armstrong after his move to Southampton.
Celtic’s inability to replace Stuart Armstrong this summer after the midfielder’s move down south to Premier League side Southampton is beginning to show – and Brendan Rodgers has got to take advantage of talks at former club Chelsea.
The versatile midfielder joined Southampton but Celtic are yet to replace the loss of the former Dundee United ace, though the Scottish transfer window does close on August 31.
Having that midfielder that score goals from deep is a rare commodity these days, but Armstrong gave Celtic that added dimension in the final third during his time under Brendan Rodgers.
The former Liverpool boss, who worked at Chelsea as a youth coach under Jose Mourinho during the Portuguese manager’s first spell at Stamford Bridge, has got to put his foot down and replace Armstrong.
He should look to take advantage of reported talks that sees England international and World Cup star Ruben Loftus-Cheek looking to clarify his role at Stamford Bridge this season under Maurizio Sarri.
That should prompt Rodgers into action and chance his arm in bringing the technically-gifted midfielder north of the border, using the club’s involvement in European football as a temptation.
Rodgers will have worked with Loftus-Cheek in Chelsea’s youth academy before the Northern Irish manager moved on in 2008. A reunion could be just what the midfielder needs to show Chelsea that he deserves a place in the side.
A move to Celtic would suit all parties, and could just be the difference between a title race and keeping Old Firm rivals Rangers at bay.
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