In recent years, Celtic have sold many of their best players south of the border. Players such as Victor Wanyama, Virgil van Dijk, Gary Hooper, Ki Sung-Yueng and Fraser Forster have all made the move to England over the last few years. Another who could potentially join them, is Israeli midfielder, Nir Bitton.
Celtic bought Bitton from Israeli club FC Ashdod in 2013 for only £700,000. Since then, the midfielder has been a key player for the club and has recently been given a new contract to fend off interest from Premier League clubs including Arsenal.
As reported by the Scotsman, however, the Israeli international is happy to stay at Parkhead, unless a club with the stature of Arsenal enquires.
If I got an offer to play in a team in England who were at the bottom of the table it would be better for me to stay at Celtic. That style of play wouldn’t suit me.
But no player from Israel could say no to Arsenal. It doesn’t matter if I would just be sitting on the bench or not. I don’t think any player who comes from a country such as ours could possibly turn down that opportunity.
In every interview I do I say I don’t want to leave Celtic because I really enjoy it there. But every player has ambitions to play in the top leagues in Europe and I won’t lie, I want to go there.
My form at Celtic has given me the chance to be captain of Israel and how I play at Celtic is still the most important thing.
Although Celtic recently signed Bitton to a new contract lasting until 2020 – which will give hope to many Celtic fans, a move to England may yet be on the cards.
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