Southampton have been linked with a move for Celtic midfielder Stuart Armstrong.
According to a recent report from the Daily Mail, Southampton are interested in signing Celtic midfielder Stuart Armstrong this summer, but may have to pay £10 million to make a deal happen.
But considering the fact that the Scotland international has just one year left on his contract at Parkhead, an eight-figure move would surely be a gamble for Mauricio Pellegrino.
Celtic’s Stuart Armstrong
Armstrong was fantastic for the Hoops last season, scoring 15 goals in 31 Scottish Premiership games for an all-conquering side that went unbeaten domestically and won the treble.
If the Saints can continue to get the best out of Armstrong, then perhaps he would follow in the footsteps of the likes of Victor Wanyama and Virgil van Dijk and turn out to be a brilliant acquisition who made the move from Celtic to St Mary’s.
However, there is surely still an element of risk attached to a move given that Armstrong’s career appeared to be stagnating during Ronny Deila’s time in charge, so perhaps it may not be out of the question to suggest that his chances of replicating the form of this past season could depend on how great a bond he is able to form with the Saints boss if a move did actually take place.
And with Armstrong yet to play in the Premier League – though he has played in the Champions League – spending £10 million on a player who has one year left on his contract would arguably leave the midfielder with plenty to prove if he does end up at Southampton.
Mauricio Pellegrino
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