Celtic playmaker in £26m demand as Premier League clubs scramble in transfer window

A new club has entered the race to sign Celtic’s in-demand playmaker, with a £26m price tag now attached to the midfielder as the summer transfer window intensifies. The Scottish champions are also fielding a lucrative offer for their striker, according to reports.

Meanwhile, the Premier League’s biggest clubs are accelerating their own business. Arsenal have increased their bid for Bruno Guimarães, while Manchester United have made a huge offer to beat Tottenham to the signing of West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes. Chelsea are working on a double deal, and Liverpool remain active with their own latest moves.

“Celtic's playmaker is chased by a new club at £26m as Arsenal, Man Utd, Chelsea and Liverpool make moves.”

The flurry of activity across England comes as Celtic face a battle to hold onto one of their key creative assets. The identity of the new club in the £26m race has not been disclosed, but the offer signals a significant step up in interest for the playmaker, who has been a standout performer for the Hoops.

United’s move for Fernandes represents a dramatic twist, with Tottenham said to have been leading the chase for the midfielder until the last hours. The Old Trafford club’s offer could reshape the transfer battle.

Arsenal’s renewed bid for Guimarães suggests Mikel Arteta is determined to strengthen his midfield, while Chelsea’s double-deal plans remain under wraps. Liverpool, too, are monitoring opportunities as the window progresses.

For Celtic, the coming weeks will determine whether they can resist the advances for their playmaker and striker, or whether the lucrative offers prove too tempting to turn down.