Chelsea youngster Mario Pasalic would be a fine replacement for Stuart Armstrong in Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic side.
If there’s one position Celtic do not need to strengthen as it stands, its central midfield. Two of the most exciting prospects in British football, Olivier Ntcham and Kundai Benyu, have arrived at Parkhead from Manchester City and Ipswich Town respectively this summer, adding to the club’s treasure trove of options.
However, Mario Pasalic could be the jewel in Celtic’s crown. The 22-year-old, a German-born Croatian international, is set to leave Chelsea this summer after failing to make an appearance in the three years since he joined from Hajduk Split.
Mario Pasalic
ABC Sevilla claimed that Celtic, as well as Leeds United, were interested in a midfielder who had been likened to Frank Lampard for his ability to make perfectly timed darts into the penalty area. The report added that he would cost around £9 million, although Brendan Rodgers had admitted earlier in the year that he would be willing to break Celtic’s transfer record for the right player (Daily Record).
However, recent speculation suggested that Serie A side Lazio, who have just signed Liverpool’s Lucas Leiva to replace AC Milan bound Argentine international Lucas Biglia, had jumped to the front of the queue, thus seemingly ending Celtic’s hopes.
Yet, Pasalic’s agent has now made clear that this is not the case.
“It’s not true (the links with Lazio). They are just rumours,” Marko Naletilic told Tuttomercatoweb of the youngster, who spent the last two seasons on loan at Monaco and AC Milan, keeping Tiemoue Bakayoko out of the starting XI at the former.
Perfect replacement
Though there does not appear to be room in Celtic’s midfield for another player, reports linking Stuart Armstrong with a move away could change all that.
Armstrong netted 17 goals in all competitions last season
A target for West Brom and Southampton, the former Dundee United star had been expected to sign a new contract at Parkhead but reports in the Scottish Sun say negotiations have stalled as Celtic will not bow to his agent’s demands.
Dynamic and blessed with an eye for goal, Pasalic could be the perfect replacement if Armstrong heads for the exit.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
