Celtic favourites to seal signing ahead of FC Lorient and Genk after video call

Celtic’s summer transfer plans are beginning to accelerate following another successful season, with Martin O’Neill remaining in charge for 26/27.

The club’s decision to keep faith with O’Neill has been welcomed by supporters, who will now be hoping stability on the touchline can help Celtic strengthen from a position of dominance.

While domestic success was secured once again, there is a clear desire to improve the squad ahead of another campaign that will include Champions League football.

Several names have been linked with Celtic over the past week.

One player linked with a move to Parkhead is Rodez attacker Taïryk Arconte.

The French forward has reportedly attracted interest from Celtic as recruitment staff continue to assess options capable of adding greater depth and competition in the final third.

At 22, he fits the profile of player the club have targeted successfully in recent years, with a new attacker or two firmly on the radar in Glasgow.

The overall message is clear.

Celtic are not standing still despite another title success.

O’Neill wants to keep pushing the squad forward, and that means adding further quality wherever opportunities arise.

One particularly exciting target appears to be moving closer.

Celtic favourites to sign Elias Filet from Aarau

According to TEAMtalk, Celtic are currently favourites to sign highly-rated Aarau forward Elias Filet after holding a video conference with the player’s representatives on Tuesday.

The report states that the Scottish champions are ahead of both FC Lorient and Genk in the race for his signature, placing them in a strong position as talks continue.

It is easy to understand why the club are interested.

Filet enjoyed an excellent season, bagging 22 goals and six assists across all competitions. Those figures gave him a total of 28 goal contributions and helped establish him as one of the most productive young attackers currently available.

The 24-year-old’s ability to both score and create chances has attracted attention from clubs across Europe.

Whether operating centrally or in wider positions, Filet consistently delivered in the final third throughout the campaign. Those performances have significantly increased his reputation and explain why multiple clubs are now competing for his services.

The fact that Lorient and Genk remain interested only highlights the level of competition Celtic face, with the former making an offer and the latter also speaking to Filet’s camp.

However, the opportunity to play for Scotland’s champions, compete in the Champions League and work under O’Neill could prove decisive.

Importantly, TEAMtalk say the manager has personally approved the move and wants Celtic to sign Filet, suggesting there is genuine belief inside the club that he could become an important addition.

Nothing has been finalised yet, but Celtic appear to have put themselves in pole position.