FRASER FORSTER is undoubtably somewhere towards the top of Neil Lennon’s summer shopping list. The Englishman re-signed on loan in August last year and established himself as Number One over Scott Bain and Craig Gordon. Forster’s displays across the season proved vital as Celtic picked up the League Cup and their 9th title in a row.
However, Forster has been linked with a move to Chelsea by Football Insider, which carries on from the reports last week that a Premier League top four side were interested in signing the 32-year-old.
Chelsea currently have Kepa, who cost £72m from Athletic Bilbao, as their Number One; however, the Spaniard has coped some flak from the supporters forcing Frank Lampard to potentially consider drafting in a capable number two should he need to drop Kepa.
However, The Sun are reporting that Arsenal are looking to Forster as a potential number two should Emiliano Martinez wish to move on. Both reports pit Forster as being a number two at the English Premier League clubs, as opposed to at Celtic, where he would be the Number One.
Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl is keen to sell with Forster third choice behind Alex McCarthy and Angus Gunn. The Saints recently posted a £41m loss meaning that they will want to get the big wages of Forster off the books this summer.
If it came down to a financial decision, Southampton would expect a higher fee out of Chelsea or Arsenal than they might get out of Celtic.However, the player may believe that he wants to play games instead of playing second fiddle to Kepa or Leno.
Forster has enjoyed a spectacular return to form since returning ‘home’ to Celtic on loan from the south coast of England. But any potential move will be jeopardised by the wages that Forster is contracted to at St Mary’s. Since he returned, he has proven himself to be Celtic’s number one and has made some incredible performances for Neil Lennon’s side as they target more domestic success. Forster is on a reported £70k-a-week and whilst he can sit out the remainder of his contract on the periphery of first team affairs with the Saints, he has already said he is keen to stay at Celtic.
Celtic are currently with just one first team goalkeeper for next season, Scott Bain. Craig Gordon is due to hold more talks with the club over the next few weeks as the Scottish Champions look to re-sign the 54-capped International. It would be a perilous situation should Chelsea move for Forster and Gordon decide to seek pastures new.
Neil Lennon must address this issue with the club immediately in order to prepare effectively for next season. Gordon is due loyalty for six years service to the club but shouldn’t be forced to wait for Celtic to decide they do or do not want him – therefore the club should offer him a deal with the caveat attached that should they sign Forster, they will allow him to leave on loan.
