OPINION
Celtic are in a strange position this summer.
Ordinarily, a side who had just won a treble treble, including an eighth league title in a row, would look at their squad in a transfer window and think that they were pretty much safe to rest on their laurels.
But you get the feeling that times are changing ever so slightly, and for the first time in a long time, Rangers gave the impression of a team who could cause some problems for the Hoops.
Steven Gerrard’s team lacked the stamina to be significant title challengers this season, but they looked more promising than they have in years, and they are likely to follow that optimism with a busy window again this summer.
If you also factor in the fact that Neil Lennon will be hoping to stamp his mark on the squad that he has inherited at Parkhead, this summer could prove to be relatively make or break for the Bhoys.
And that’s why they must win the race for Charlton Athletic midfielder Joe Aribo.
The 22-year-old hit 10 goals and assisted five more for the Addicks in their promotion campaign from League One this season, and according to the Scottish Sun, has been identified as a key target by Lennon, who is ready to sanction a swoop.
Aribo has shown a shedload of potential during his time at the Valley, and you get the feeling that he is ready to make the step up to a properly big club.
The midfielder is out of contract this summer, and has also been touted as a target for the Gers, as reported by the Sun.
Signing him is, therefore, an absolute no-brainer.
He would be available on the cheap, and bringing him in would also deal a significant blow to the Hoops’ bitterest rivals.
If Celtic can win the race for him, he would be a real coup, and one who could be a key player for years to come.