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Neil Lennon is set to ramp up his interest in Charlton Atheltic’s Joe Aribo after he is confirmed as Celtic’s next manager, according to The Scottish Sun.
What’s the story?
Lennon was offered the job by the club in the wake of last Saturday’s superb Scottish Cup win over Hearts but has since taken a short holiday break, so the details have not yet been thrashed out on his appointment.
The paper say that he is set to be confirmed as manager on Friday though and after that he won’t be wasting time in signing players up this summer.
Charlton midfielder Joe Aribo is high up on his list of targets, states the report, with the 22-year-old available on a free transfer after the expiry of his contract at the recently promoted English club.
The Sun reckon Lennon has had him repeatedly scouted since taking over from Brendan Rodgers in February.
Keith from C’mon the Hoops throws back to player who was both a Hoop by name and by nature in the video below…
Can Aribo make the step up?
A central midfielder with presence, poise and attacking ambition, Aribo has the attributes to be a success in the Scottish Premiership and it’s no surprise he is being linked with bigger clubs this summer after a stand-out season at Charlton.
He starred in the Addicks’ promotion campaign which saw them rise into the English Championship through the play-offs, scoring 10 goals and assisting 5 times in 39 appearances.
Celtic are currently well-stocked in central midfield, but the chance to sign an athletic talent like Aribo on the cheap is understandably appealing and clearly Lennon is a fan of the player having had him regularly scouted.
Ntcham replacement?
With reports on Friday from The Daily Record suggesting French midfielder Olivier Ntcham could be heading to Ligue 1 for decent money, the capture of Aribo could spell the end of the former Man City man’s time at Celtic Park.
Recouping a fee for Ntcham, as classy a player as he is, and replacing his presence with Aribo sounds like smart business.
The core of Celtic’s Scottish midfield would remain intact, while ensuring that Lennon has a different, more attacking option if needed, with Aribo providing direct competition for Tom Rogic.