Celtic’s Moussa Dembele coveted by Premier League quartet
Youngster is back in the spotlight
Celtic forward Moussa Dembele is once again attracting the interest of the Premier League’s top clubs.
The 21-year-old Frenchman bagged 32 goals in 48 appearances last season, causing the Hoops to slap a £40m price-tag on their prized asset.
So far this season the ex-Fulham man has scored seven goals in 14 games. But after last night’s first-minute strike against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, interest has reignited once more south of the border.
Here, the Coral News Team look at Dembele’s four most likely Premier League destinations.
Manchester United
It emerged this week that United reportedly held talks with Dembele over a possible move to Old Trafford last summer. However, the move didn’t happen and the youngster opted to remain at Celtic Park.
Now though, Jose Mourinho could be tempted to make a second move for the Celtic ace. He has more experience on the European stage and continues to score at club level.
At just 21-years-old, he also represents a good long-term bit of business. The Red Devils certainly have the cash to prize Dembele away from the Hoops. But would the striker move to a club where he’s likely to be down the pecking order in terms of starting chances.
Chelsea
As the Coral News Team revealed yesterday, Chelsea remain in the market for another striker. Alvaro Morata’s future is uncertain and Michy Batshuayi is considered as unreliable by Antonio Conte.
Blues owner Roman Abramovich is not afraid of taking a punt on a young talent. He showed that last January when they made an approach to Celtic for the player. On that occasion, they were rebuffed due to the transfer fee.
If Conte and Abramovich see Dembele as the long-term solution to the striking problem in West London, then the French ace could well be on his way to Stamford Bridge sooner rather than later.
Arsenal
Arsenal are believed to be one of a number of clubs to have sent scouts to watch Dembele in the past month. And with Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil seemingly on their way out of the Emirates, Dembele would be an intriguing replacement.
Historically speaking, he fits the bill. Arsene Wenger built his reputation on signing young French players before turning them into world-class talents. However, that was in the past.
Whether Wenger is willing to take a big-money risk on a player like Dembele remains to be seen. If he does, Gunners fans could be treated to yet another exciting French frontline.
Liverpool
Liverpool have a seriously exciting crop of youngsters at the moment. Joe Gomez, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dominic Solanke are all first-team players. And with Jurgen Klopp’s trust in youth, a move for Dembele cannot be ruled out.
Unlike the other three potential suitors, the Reds would likely use the 21-year-old straight away. For a player who is still developing, that could be a motivating factor in a possible move away from Glasgow.
Plus, could the Merseysiders gain an extra advantage over their competitors courtesy of Brendan Rodgers? The Ulsterman retains a good relationship with the ‘Pool faithful and could recommend the Anfield club to Dembele if a move comes about.
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