Premier League giants Everton were willing to pay £10m for Stuart Armstrong last summer – but Celtic will let him leave for Parkhead for less now.
Just like last summer, Celtic have a decision to make with Stuart Armstrong.
After weeks of speculation and links with a move to the Premier League, the midfielder eventually decided to extend his contract with the Scottish champions – but only for an extra year.
Now, heading into the summer transfer window, Armstrong will have just 12 months remaining on his deal and, considering that he has looked a shadow of his former self for much of this season, Celtic should surely be a little more receptive to offers from down south.
The Daily Record claimed on Monday that Celtic could be willing to listen to bids of around £7 million – less than last summer’s price-tag and a possible reflection on his poor form this season.
But, with Armstrong on the market for a cut-price fee, will Everton renew their interest in a player who seems determined to try his hand south of the border sooner rather than later?
The Express claimed in August that The Toffees were willing to pay £10 million but that was after the best season of Armstrong’s career, in which he scored 17 goals to fire Celtic to the domestic treble while also establishing himself in the Scotland squad.
A move to Goodison Park would have made sense then for this dynamic and hard-working midfielder.
Now, however, there should be doubts about whether Armstrong is even good enough for Everton based on recent form. Hoops fans have even argued for him to be dropped on occasions after a series of ineffective displays. Armstrong has only scored four times all season.
So Armstrong’s reduced price-tag should be a red flag for Everton – rather than encouragement that they should renew their interest.
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