The potential destinations for Odsonne Edouard - ranked

There are several clubs in for Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard
There are several clubs in for Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard / Ian MacNicol/Getty Images
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It looks set to be a big summer for Odsonne Edouard.

The Celtic striker has continued his impressive individual form despite his side's struggles, and while the Hoops aren't keen to let him go, they may soon have no choice.

Edouard's contract expires at the end of next season, and there has been no indication that he plans to sign a new one any time soon.

That has drastically weakened the club's bargaining position - a year ago they were commanding £40m, but reports suggest they will now accept bids in the region of £15-20m.

His new-found availability has opened the door to a number of clubs who see value in a player who has scored 81 goals in 163 appearances in Scotland, and 90min have run the rule over the serious contenders for his signature.


5. Aston Villa

Aston Villa have been linked with a move for Edouard
Aston Villa have been linked with a move for Edouard / CATHERINE IVILL/Getty Images

News of Villa's interest made sense a year ago when they were in desperate search of a regular goalscorer. But now they've found that now in Ollie Watkins.

Unless the new England cap is sold, it's hard to imagine that signing a new striker - especially one at a similar stage of his development - is high on their list of priorities.

Villa also seem set to miss out on European football, so even if their interest is genuine, Edouard may have more enticing options on the table.

Suitability rating: 4/10


4. Leeds

Marcelo Bielsa has established Leeds in the Premier League
Marcelo Bielsa has established Leeds in the top flight / LINDSEY PARNABY/Getty Images

Leeds have enjoyed a strong consolidating season back in the top flight, but they need to improve before they can compete for Europe. To that end, they've been linked with Edouard - who does seem like the level of player they should be looking at.

Stylistically, it would be a good fit. Edouard runs himself into the ground off the ball and has the first touch and turn of pace to thrive in Marcelo Bielsa's demanding system.

It's possible he could be tempted by the project at Elland Road, but he would have to be convinced they are heading up the table rather than just settling in.

Suitability rating: 5/10


3. Roma

Roma manager Paulo Fonseca needs a contingency plan for Edin Dzeko
Paulo Fonseca needs a contingency plan for Edin Dzeko / Silvia Lore/Getty Images

With Edin Dzeko coming to the end of his career in Rome, the Italian side are on the lookout for a new number nine, and reports have suggested they see Edouard as the ideal replacement.

It's fairly easy to see why. Edouard has more subtlety to his game and lacks a bit of the physical presence imposed by Dzeko, but he's an incredibly good link-up striker - something Roma lack outside of their Bosnian talisman.

There are serious questions here - namely whether Roma will have a spare £15-20m this summer, and that could depend on whether they qualify for Europe.

A switch to Serie A would be bold from Edouard, but after coming to Scotland to prove himself away from the glare of PSG, a move back to mainland Europe may be just what he's after.

Suitability rating: 6/10


2. Arsenal

Mikel Arteta
Mikel Arteta wants a new striker this summer / Catherine Ivill/Getty Images

The Gunners are on the lookout for a new striker this summer, and with Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah's contracts up in 2022, reports suggest Edouard is one of the options on the table.

In many ways it seems like the reasonable next step. There used to be a reluctance from bigger Premier League clubs to buy directly from Scotland, with Victor Wanyama and Virgil van Dijk needing stops at Southampton before landing big moves, but Kieran Tierney is living evidence that this is no longer the case.

Around £20m seems like it would fit within Arsenal's budget, particularly if Lacazette is sold. And with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang around until 2023, Edouard would have a year or two to settle before he's expected to be the main man.

All in all, it makes logical sense, though may depend on how strongly Mikel Arteta's team finish the season.

Suitability rating: 7/10


1. Leicester

Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers brought Edouard to Celtic
Rodgers brought Edouard to Celtic / David Geieregger/Getty Images

Leicester have been tipped as the favourites to land the Frenchman, and for good reason. Edouard and Brendan Rodgers have an excellent relationship; it was the Northern Irishman who initially brought him to Glasgow on loan, and then pushed to make the deal permanent.

Edouard owes a lot to Rodgers' coaching so it stands to reason that he would be keen to link up in the Premier League. If the Foxes can go on and qualify for the Champions League, that would sweeten the deal further.

As for Leicester, Kelechi Iheanacho is showing serious promise, but they need another striker they can rely on in the long-term. Jamie Vardy won't be around forever, and Edouard - though he's just 23 - already looks prepared to take the Premier League by storm.

Celtic may not be keen to negotiate with Rodgers after his sour exit, but there will be a new regime at Parkhead in the summer who will likely be content just to resolve Edouard's situation.

Suitability rating: 8/10