Armando Gonzalez has now vowed to make his “dream” come true, with Celtic among the clubs eyeing a deal for the Chivas striker this summer.
Gonzalez drops a bomb amid Celtic interest
Celtic have everything they need to do this summer. Before anything else, they are tasked with finding a long-term manager to replace interim manager Martin O’Neill. The latter has done an impressive job, but the fact that he has been forced to return twice this season highlights how disastrous the campaign has been at times.
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Once that management problem is resolved, the focus should be on strengthening – especially within the Bhoys’line frontline. The Scottish giants have lacked a consistent striker all season and that must change this summer.
Who comes to solve that problem is still a big question. The Parkhead chiefs could go after a familiar face such as Motherwell’s Tawanda Maswanhise or opt for an unknown star.
Chivas striker, Gonzalez, has recently admitted that he dreams of moving to a European club and Celtic are reportedly among the teams that have shown interest in the Mexican player in recent months. The striker spoke at length, answering questions about European interests.
“No, I try to focus on my daily life. If it happens, I would be very grateful; if not, I will work to make it happen. My father and my agents are very careful about that and choose not to fill my head with things, so that I don’t get distracted, and I am very grateful for that.”
When asked if he was thinking about leaving, Gonzalez continued by saying: “Yes, I would try, because it’s a dream I have. But if it doesn’t happen, it’s no big deal; I will continue to work. And if it does, I will be very grateful. It all depends on how you stay focused day by day.”
An impressive Gonzalez could solve Celtic’s problem
Celtic’s interest should come as no surprise. Gonzalez has been outstanding for Chivas this season, scoring 24 goals in all competitions. If the Bhoys are looking for a consistent goalscorer, then he has the right credentials.
|
25/26 league statistics |
Gonzalez |
Maeda |
|---|---|---|
|
Minutes |
1,190 |
2,566 |
|
Goals |
12 |
10 |
|
It helps |
1 |
6 |
|
XG |
11.54 |
14.53 |
|
Opportunities are created |
11 |
32 |
As an out-and-out scorer, Gonzalez will be a quick upgrade on Maeda this summer. In minutes this season, the 23-year-old has scored more goals and has done so while exceeding expectations.
Maeda, on the other hand, did not play well in front of goal and missing a difficult game cost Celtic at times. If they have a chance to land Gonzalez, they should take it this summer.
Whether that opportunity is real is a big question, however. Apart from the Boys, West Ham United and Barcelona have also been linked with the impressive striker.
Competition with West Ham is possible for Celtic, but if Barcelona were to come calling, it would blow almost every other interested party out of the water in the coming months.
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