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Despite reports of Arsenal interest in Odsonne Edouard, they didn’t make contact with Celtic over the player this summer, according to a report.

The Athletic report that whilst Arsenal are reportedly keen on Odsonne Edouard, they didn’t make contact over the player. This follows Neil Lennon seemingly shooting down reports linking the 22-year-old with a move to Arsenal last month.

Currently absent due to coronavirus, Edouard is up to six goals this campaign. He also has one assist in his first 10 games of the new season, as well as two goals in two for the France u21s on international duty.

Ian McGarry on The Transfer Window Podcast claimed Edouard’s progress was drawing multiple bids from Arsenal. However, Lennon and The Athletic believe this is just the usual media gossip.

“That’s the nature of the window but it’s not at the forefront of my mind,” Lennon said. “We have lots of games to play and we want all the players here. The club will do everything in their power to make sure that happens.

“I’m not aware of interest in Odsonne – it’s all just speculation. We want to keep him here. We know what a talent he is but also how important this season is for the club and the supporters.”

In our coverage of the Edouard rumours, we pointed out that it’s very unlikely Arsenal would sign the player without selling first. As much as anything else, the club just didn’t have many non-homegrown spots available.

But perhaps just as importantly, finances were tight. Arsenal were always much more likely to put their money towards a midfielder like Thomas Partey. That was the priority.

Maybe if Alexandre Lacazette left, they might’ve pushed for a striker at that stage. But he didn’t, so they didn’t.