Former Celtic head coach John Barnes thinks that Arsenal will be seriously considering snapping up Hoops striker Odsonne Edouard in the summer.

Although the Gunners have two top quality forwards in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette at their disposal, Barnes thinks Edouard would offer something different:

“With Arsenal, you still have Aubameyang. As much as Lacazette and Aubameyang are there and Lacazette is a number nine, Edouard gives you that physical presence. He is bigger and stronger, though maybe not a technically good as Lacazette. Arsenal have also got lots of technical players, what they really need, is a presence in the box who is big and strong.”

Edouard has one year remaining on his contract and he is expected to be sold at the end of the season. As well as Arsenal, Leicester, AC Milan and Roma have all been mentioned as potential destinations.

The France Under 21 international wouldn’t have impressed onlookers with his performance against Rangers in the Scottish Cup yesterday afternoon. He missed a penalty and another gilt-edged opportunity as Celtic lost 2-0 at Ibrox.

The Hoops will still be hoping to get a decent transfer fee for Edouard in the summer, though, with the forward having scored 20 goals in all competitions, despite struggling for form at various points this campaign.