Celtic caretaker manager Martin O’Neill looks on during win vs Stuttgart
Celtic are planning a huge summer transfer window to help bolster the squad, with French outlet Footmercato claiming that a fast striker is on the club’s radar for the coming market.
It comes as the Hoops plan for some change, following an inconsistent season that saw the side change manager several times before Martin O’Neill narrowly guided the team to the Scottish Premiership title.
Following the revival under the 74-year-old, Celtic are set to offer a one-year contract to keep the iconic manager in position for the upcoming campaign. It means the veteran could help pick up where he left off with the side, especially with an important Champions League campaign coming up. That also means some improvement is needed in the squad, and the options in wide areas are already being assessed.
Celtic Want Tairyk Arconte
As Celtic look to bolster O’Neill’s squad for the coming season, the club’s hierarchy are already sounding out possible recruits to be the first signing of the new era.
The report from Footmercato claims that Tairyk Arconte, a winger who plays for Ligue 2 side Rodez AF, has emerged as a top candidate for the Hoops.
The 22-year-old plays as a centre-forward, where he scored 14 goals and assisted four times across all competitions, underlining a successful campaign. His playing style has been described as ‘explosive’ and quick, which could be the sort of characteristic O’Neill needs in his team for next season.
Celtic aren’t alone in their interest, however, as English Championship side Millwall are in the mix for Arconte’s signature, along with AJ Auxerre. It remains to be seen whether the Scottish champions can make a move for the striker, but it underlines the quick nature with which they are looking to move in the market.
Celtic Need To Organise Quickly
Time is of the essence at Celtic, as work is needed to ensure that chaos away from the pitch doesn’t spill onto it in the same way that it did during last season.
Some changes in the managerial department led to uncertainty throughout the season, which heavily threatened to impact the campaign, almost resulting in the Scottish Premiership being out of reach.
With a quick appointment of O’Neill, the work must then begin on assembling a squad that is capable of challenging across multiple competitions at the highest levels.
Decisions have to be made on loanees returning to their parent club, as well as some concerns over the contracts of key stars that are starting to run down. These are decisions that can’t be left too long, otherwise Celtic run the risk of being in for another chaotic campaign that may not end quite as well as the last.
Martin O’Neill’s Return Brings Stability and Ambition
Martin O’Neill’s appointment as permanent manager on a one-year deal (with the option of a further year) has been met with widespread approval from the Celtic faithful. The legendary Northern Irishman, who previously enjoyed huge success at Parkhead in the early 2000s, stepped in during a turbulent 2025/26 season and delivered a dramatic Premiership title and Scottish Cup double.
His experience, tactical nous, and ability to motivate players in high-pressure situations make him the ideal figure to steady the ship. O’Neill has already hinted at the need for “fresh legs and explosive talent” in his post-title interviews, suggesting that signings like Arconte align perfectly with his vision.
At 74, O’Neill brings a wealth of knowledge from his time managing Celtic to multiple trophies, as well as stints at Aston Villa, Sunderland, and the Republic of Ireland national team. His return has reignited hopes of not just domestic dominance but also a strong showing in the Champions League qualifiers and group stages.
Who Is Tairyk Arconte?
Taïryk Arconte is a 22-year-old French forward known for his blistering pace, direct running, and clinical finishing. Born in 2003, he has developed rapidly at Rodez AF in Ligue 2, where his performances have caught the eye of several clubs across Europe.
Standing at around 5ft 10in, Arconte combines physicality with technical skill. He thrives in transitions, loves taking on defenders, and has shown an impressive ability to score from various situations – inside the box, from distance, and even with his head on occasion. His 14 goals and 4 assists in the 2025/26 season highlight a breakout year that has elevated his profile significantly.
Scouts praise his work rate off the ball and his willingness to press high, traits that would fit seamlessly into O’Neill’s preferred high-energy style. Comparisons have been drawn to a young Thierry Henry or more modern explosive wingers like Kingsley Coman, though Arconte still has plenty of room to develop his end product and consistency.
Why Arconte Would Be a Perfect First Signing for O’Neill
Bringing in a young, hungry, and affordable talent like Arconte as the first signing of the O’Neill era would send a strong message. It shows ambition to refresh the squad while keeping an eye on value in the transfer market.
Celtic have historically thrived on signing players from lower leagues who go on to become stars – think of players like Odsonne Edouard or even earlier successes. Arconte fits that profile perfectly. With competition from Millwall and Auxerre, Celtic would need to act decisively, possibly offering a fee in the region of €4-6 million plus add-ons.
His versatility is another major plus. While primarily a centre-forward or right winger, he can operate across the front line, providing O’Neill with much-needed options in wide areas where the current squad has shown vulnerabilities.
Integration into the Scottish Premiership should be relatively smooth given his physical style, and the step up in competition could accelerate his development. For Celtic, securing him early would allow time for him to adapt before the Champions League qualifiers begin in earnest.
Broader Transfer Plans at Celtic
The interest in Arconte is just one part of a busy summer ahead. Celtic need to address several areas: defensive reinforcements, midfield creativity, and attacking depth. With key contracts expiring and loanees set to return, the recruitment team will be working overtime.
O’Neill is expected to demand significant investment from the board to build a squad capable of competing on all fronts. Fans are particularly eager to see movement in attack following an inconsistent goal-scoring record last season despite winning the title.
Rivals Rangers will also be active, making this window crucial in maintaining the edge in the Old Firm battle. Celtic’s ability to move quickly – as demonstrated by the swift resolution on O’Neill’s future – will be key to outmanoeuvring competitors for targets like Arconte.
Fan Reactions and Expectations
Celtic supporters have reacted positively to the reported interest in Arconte. Social media has been buzzing with excitement about the prospect of adding an “explosive” young forward to the ranks. Many see it as a smart, proactive move that fits O’Neill’s reputation for developing talent and getting the best out of squads.
“If we can get this lad in early, it’s a statement of intent,” one fan commented on popular forums. Others have highlighted the need to beat Championship clubs like Millwall to the signing before bigger offers arrive.
As the transfer window heats up, Celtic fans will be watching closely. Martin O’Neill’s first signing carries huge symbolic weight – it sets the tone for the season and could be the start of a new successful chapter at Parkhead.
The coming weeks will determine whether Tairyk Arconte becomes the first new face under O’Neill. With the manager’s legendary status and the club’s ambition, expectations are sky high once again in Glasgow’s east end.
