Arsenal are said to be on alert after Celtic striker Moussa Dembele refused to rule out leaving Scotland in January.

Arsenal, as well as Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Brighton have been linked with Dembele after his rapid rise since signing for Celtic in June 2016 and now the 21-year-old has refused to rule out a move away from the Hoops in January.

“I can say it is part of the plan but the plan can change,” Dembele said. “As long as I am here I will give 100 per cent but I don’t know until when. I just focus on my football and give my best for the club and we will see.”

Dembele’s contract with Celtic doesn’t expire until May 2020. However, since the Scottish side signed him from Fulham on a free, they’re going to make a tidy profit when he leaves. In fact, they’re reportedly asking for £20m. So I doubt they’ll be that heartbroken if he does jump ship.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCwjBid3vWs&t=

During his first season with the Celts, the France u21 international scored 32 goals in 29 appearances, and this term he’s netted eight in 17. Therefore, he’s proving that in the right system he can be prolific.

At Fulham, he netted 17 goals in 43 Championship appearances during his final season.

Even though the Gunners have been linked with the young striker, Chelsea were the club that allegedly came close to signing him last January. However, Celtic reportedly demanded £40m, which the Blues were obviously unwilling to cough up. £20m this year seems far more reasonable.

Dembele’s comments do sound as if he’s willing to move but not desperate. At the moment, he seems to just be enjoying his football.