Celtic ‘target’ £16m-rated forward as the busy transfer window persists.

Celtic have reportedly entered the race to sign Girona winger Yaser Asprilla as manager Martin O’Neill continues to reshape his squad during an increasingly busy summer transfer window.

The Scottish Premiership champions are said to be keeping a close eye on the 22-year-old Colombia international, who could be available for a move away from Girona this summer despite the Spanish club currently having no intention of selling him.

Reports from South America claim Celtic are among the clubs monitoring Asprilla’s situation. The Hoops are not alone in their interest, with Valencia, Lecce and a number of unnamed Ligue 1 clubs also believed to be tracking the attacker.

Asprilla has emerged as an interesting option for Celtic as O’Neill looks to strengthen his attacking options and add greater depth to his squad ahead of another demanding campaign.

The Parkhead side have already been extremely active in the transfer market this summer. Celtic have spent close to £30 million on four new additions, highlighting the club’s determination to strengthen significantly following their latest domestic success.

One of their recent arrivals, Camilo Duran, has already provided an encouraging glimpse of what he can offer. The forward scored twice as Celtic secured an impressive 3-0 victory over LASK, a result which moved the Scottish champions closer to securing a place in the Champions League.

With European football firmly in Celtic’s sights, O’Neill is continuing to assess possible additions who can improve competition throughout his squad. Asprilla’s versatility and experience at a relatively young age could make him an appealing target if Celtic decide to step up their interest.

The Colombian joined Girona from Watford two years ago in a club-record transfer reportedly worth £16 million. The move represented a significant investment from the Spanish club, which viewed Asprilla as a player capable of developing into an important part of their future.

However, his time at Girona has not gone entirely according to plan. The winger has struggled to establish himself as a regular first-team player since making the move to Spain, leading to questions over whether his long-term future will ultimately remain at the club.

Asprilla was sent out on loan during the second half of last season, joining Turkish giants Galatasaray in an attempt to secure more regular playing time and continue his development.

His spell in Turkey has now added another layer of uncertainty to his situation at Girona. With the player reportedly open to leaving Spain, clubs monitoring his circumstances could potentially see an opportunity to negotiate a deal.

Celtic could therefore face competition from several European sides if Asprilla becomes available. Valencia and Lecce are among those reportedly interested, while clubs from France’s Ligue 1 are also said to have expressed an interest in the talented attacker.

Despite the growing attention surrounding the Colombian, Girona are understood to have no immediate plans to sell him. That stance could make negotiations difficult for any club hoping to secure his services.

The fact that Girona paid a reported £16 million to sign Asprilla from Watford means they are unlikely to give him away cheaply, particularly with the player still regarded as having considerable potential.

Girona’s relegation from La Liga last season could, however, complicate matters. After spending four consecutive seasons in Spain’s top division, the club will now compete outside the top flight, potentially making it more difficult to retain players who have ambitions of playing at the highest level.

Asprilla’s situation will therefore be one worth monitoring over the coming weeks. His willingness to consider a move could become an important factor if Girona eventually soften their current position.

For Celtic, the reported interest demonstrates the club’s ambition in the current transfer window. The Hoops are already spending heavily and have clearly identified squad depth as an important priority.

Adding another attacking player could give O’Neill more options as Celtic attempt to compete on multiple fronts. Domestic commitments will once again be accompanied by the demands of European football, meaning having quality alternatives across the squad could prove crucial.

Asprilla would also bring experience from different leagues despite his age. His previous spell in England with Watford, move to Girona and subsequent loan to Galatasaray have exposed him to several different styles of football.

Whether Celtic are prepared to make a formal approach remains unclear, but their reported interest places them among the clubs keeping tabs on the Colombian.

For now, Girona appear reluctant to sanction his departure. Nevertheless, with Asprilla reportedly open to leaving Spain and several clubs monitoring him, the situation could develop quickly.

Celtic have already shown that they are willing to invest heavily this summer. If O’Neill believes Asprilla can add another dimension to his attack, the £16 million-rated winger could become another major name on the club’s transfer radar as their ambitious summer recruitment continues.