John Hartson has said that reported Arsenal target Odsonne Edouard will leave Celtic in the summer transfer window, as quoted in The Daily Record.
The former Arsenal and Celtic striker, who now works as a pundit, believes that the Hoops will not be able to keep hold of Edouard beyond this summer.
The Telegraph reported in April that Arsenal are interested in signing Edouard from Celtic in the summer of 2021, adding that the 23-year-old will cost £15 million to £20 million in transfer fees.
The Daily Record quotes Hartson as saying: “We will not be able to keep Edouard, we’ve held on to Edouard with a piece of string really, to be honest with you. He’s been so close to leaving. I think his time will come, he will move on.”
Edouard has not had the best of seasons, but the striker has still scored a decent number of goals.
The 23-year-old has scored 16 goals and provided three assists in 23 Scottish Premiership starts for Celtic this season.
With Celtic failing to win the Scottish Premiership title this season and still searching for a full-time manager, there is a very good chance that they will cash in on the French striker if a big bid comes in.
Arsenal do have a good attacking unit, but there is an argument to be made that the Gunners need to freshen it up.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has not had a great season, while Eddie Nketiah has not always taken his chances.
Alexandre Lacazette is out of contract at Arsenal at the end of next season, although the Frenchman could be given a new deal.
Edouard is only 23 years of age and will improve in the coming years, and the former Paris Saint-Germain striker would be a good long-term investment for Arsenal.
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