Celtic manager Neil Lennon has raved about reported Arsenal target Odsonne Edouard to The Times.
Football.London reported in October of interest in Edouard from Premier League rivals Arsenal.
The report claimed that the Gunners were seriously interested in the French striker earlier this year.
It added that Arsenal technical director Edu is still keen on the 22-year-old, and that the North London club will continue to monitor him.
Lennon told The Times about Edouard: “Listen, he’s a human being, he’s still young at 22 and there has been a lot of interest or speculation — whatever you want to call it — about him and there’s no question that it affected him and his performances.
“He’s been away with France now and maybe that gave him a little time at home as well. We’ll sit down, have a good discussion with him and, hopefully, he’ll kick on and get back to his best.
“What we have in Odsonne is an outstanding, talented player and it’s up to us now to try and get the best out of him again. Of course, it’s also in his own best interests to knuckle down and get back to playing the way he can.”
Good long-term signing for Arsenal
Edouard has not been in great form so far this season and has also had injury problems.
However, the striker has proved during his time at Celtic that he is a proven goalscorer.
According to Transfermarkt.co.uk, Edouard scored 21 goals and provided 12 assists in the Scottish Premiership last season and scored 14 goals and gave six assists in the league in 2018-19.
It is very unlikely that Celtic will entertain any offers for the Frenchman in the January transfer window, as they are aiming to win the Scottish Premiership title for the 10th season in a row.
However, next summer, the Glasgow giants could be receptive to an exit, and Arsenal could get the very talented and promising young striker, who would be a smart investment for the Gunners in the long run.
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