Celtic are set to miss out on Chris Willock to Benfica.
Arsenal’s Chris Willock celebrates scoring their first goal
Celtic are expected to miss out on Arsenal talent Chris Willock, according to Portuguese newspaper Record who claim he is set to sign with Benfica.
The Mirror had reported Brendan Rodgers had been hoping to bring Willock to Celtic, as a replacement for winger Patrick Roberts who has rejoined Manchester City after his successful loan spell.
Willock, 19, is out of contract at the end of this month and has not chosen to renew his deal at Arsenal.
Arsenal’s Chris Willock and Manchester City’s Jacob Davenport in action
The talented winger would likely enter Benfica’s B side at first, with competition for places tough at the Portuguese champions.
He should nonetheless be praised for electing to play his football outside the UK, a rare move top for English teenagers who usually only play abroad if they are sent out on loan.
Blackburn’s Matty Platt and Arsenal’s Chris Willock in action
Benfica do have a proven track record of bringing through young players, but Celtic may feel aggrieved to have lost out.
They worked wonders for Patrick Roberts over the past 18 months and manager Brendan Rodgers is more than happy to give youth a chance.
Willock made two first team appearances for Arsenal last season in the EFL Cup, both times as a substitute.
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