Pundit John Hartson reacts to rumours linking Brendan Rodgers with Celtic exit, Arsenal move

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Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has been linked with Arsenal this week.

Pundit John Hartson has told TalkSPORT that he isn’t at all surprised to see Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers being linked with a move to become Arsenal manager.

The Gunners suffered a torrid Sunday afternoon as they lost 3-0 to Manchester City in the final of the Carabao Cup at Wembley Stadium, with Arsene Wenger’s men turning in a turgid display devoid of effort and organisation once again.

Wenger’s future is now once again in doubt, and after 22 years at the helm, the Frenchman may finally be coming to the end of his time as Gunners boss.

Speculation this week has suggested that Arsenal are looking at potential replacements, with the Daily Mail claiming that Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers is one name in the frame to succeed Wenger.

Rodgers has excelled as Celtic manager, winning a domestic treble last season without even losing a match, and he is on course for another domestic treble in Scotland this term, whilst he again took his side into the Champions League this term.

The Northern Irishman has enjoyed a strong two years at Celtic, but is being regularly linked with jobs back in England, despite the disappointing manner of his Liverpool exit back in 2015.

Some Arsenal fans are far from happy to see Rodgers being linked with the post, but pundit John Hartson – who played for both Arsenal and Celtic – is far from surprised with the rumours.

Hartson, speaking to TalkSPORT, branded Rodgers a ‘top manager’ and lauded his achievements with Celtic, highlighting that the Bhoys will want to keep him if Arsenal do come calling for his services this summer.

“It doesn’t surprise me. He’s a top manager and he will get linked with jobs,” said Hartson. “I know Scottish football gets criticised but he’s on the cusp of winning his second treble with Celtic. They made progress in Europe by getting through to the Europa League by beating Anderlecht in the Champions League.”

“Brendan Rodgers is a very sought after manager. Celtic want to keep their manager who is absolutely revered up there for doing such a great job,” he added.