Celtic transfer offer 'immediately rejected' by Premier League club as Hoops make move for ex-Parkhead star
Offer has been shut down for ex Parkhead loanee
Celtic have made an approach to sign former loanee Benjamin Arthur on a permanent deal - which has been swiftly shut down by Brentford.
The 20-year old spent last season on loan at Celtic Park, where he received plaudits for his maturity beyond his years during his six appearances. He proved to be a more than capable backup to Hoops stalwarts Auston Trusty and Liam Scales in the domestic double-winning campaign.
After returning to parent club Brentford earlier in the summer, Celtic have maintained interest in the England youth international. However, Arthur committed his future to the Bees last year, keeping him at the club until 2031, with the option of another year. Manager Keith Andrews currently is light on options at the back through injury and has decided to reject Celtic’s approach.
Brentford ‘immediately’ reject Arthur approach from Celtic
According to the Richmond and Twickenham Times: “Brentford rejected an approach from Celtic to sign defender Benjamin Arthur on a permanent deal. The Richmond and Twickenham Times understands the Hoops made an approach for the defender, but it was immediately rejected by the Bees. It is understood Brentford rate Arthur very highly and consider part of their future plans.”
Bees defender Sepp Van den Berg is reportedly set to be sidelined for three months after picking up an injury in pre-season. Former Celtic man Kristoffer Ajer and Republic of Ireland international Nathan Collins are set to be the starting pair next season, as the club would like to keep Arthur in the building as a backup.
For Celtic, central defender is still an area where they remain a few bodies light. Main man Cameron Carter-Vickers has returned from his lengthy spell out with an ACL injury, however the American will always be a fitness concern. Trusty and Scales came up trumps last season in his absence, but manager Martin O’Neill clearly still thinks they need more options at the back given his pursuit of Arthur.
O’Neill on ‘excellent’ Arthur
Upon his short term loan signing in January, O’Neill said of Arthur: “Benjamin is an excellent player, with real attributes, good height, strength and speed and I know he can only help and improve the squad across the number of games which we will face over the next few months.”
The defender was praised for his composure on the ball and calm presence he brought to the back line. He particularly excelled at Ibrox in the goalless Scottish Cup fixture the Hoops eventually won on penalties. Arthur also started in the 6-2 cup semi final victory over St Mirren.