Ste Hoare 
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Neil Lennon has confirmed that Celtic are in talks to extend the contract of Odsonne Edouard, amidst the speculation that the Frenchman is being lined up as a transfer target by Arsenal.
As reported by Sky Sports, when asked about Edouard’s future, the Celtic manager said:
There are discussions at the minute with his representatives. Ultimately he’s a player we want around. He’s a fantastic player. He’s really blossomed over the last couple of seasons. He had a magnificent season this year and we want to keep him. It’s as simple as that. We’re doing everything we can to keep him here for at least another season anyway.
He went on to say:
I think he is [happy]. I think he’s got a fantastic relationship certainly with me and my backroom team and his team-mates. You can see how much the supporters appreciate him as well. I think that’s reciprocated. He’s grown into a top-class striker. Of course, there is going to be speculation around a player of that quality but we’re comfortable at the minute with the position we’re in with him.
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Obviously, given his immense quality and goal scoring record, Lennon and Celtic would want to keep Edouard at the club for as long as possible but extending the Frenchman’s contract would also give Celtic more leverage in any potential transfer deal in the future.
It would be foolish to think that Edouard will remain at Celtic for the next five years if he continues to play at such a high level, but getting him tied down to a new deal will allow Celtic to get the maximum transfer fee they can for the striker.
In the short-term, keeping Edouard for next season should be a priority as the Hoops have the chance to win a tenth league title in a row, something which would be a historic achievement for the Glasgow-based side.
