Campbell in Celtic talks

Arsenal and former England international So Campbell edges closer to signing for Hoops.

Sol to play for: Arsenal star weighs up future with visit to Glasgow

Neil Lennon’s first signing of the summer could be Sol Campbell after the Arsenal star jetted into Glasgow for talks today.

The 35 year- old will spend the day being shown around Parkhead and Celtic’s Lennoxtown training facility.

New Hoops boss Neil Lennon has made the capture of the veteran defender one of his top priorities.

And if Campbell likes what he sees and hears today then the big stopper could put pen to paper on a two –year deal reportedly worth £35,000 a week.

Campbell who has been offered a one-year extension to stay at Arsenal played 73 times for England and has made almost 500 appearances for Tottenham, Arsenal and Portsmouth.

The 35 year-old told reporters earlier this month he was impressed with Neil Lennon’s plans to bring the glory days back to Celtic, and would be coming to Glasgow to hear more. He also stated that success not money would the driving force behind his decision.

He told reporters “I think Celtic want to get back to where they should be. It’s a massive club. Neil has told me that the main man at the club is also determined for success again.

“The ambition is to win the championship again and make proper in-roads in Europe. For me that’s exciting.”

Now Campbell who spent five years with Arsenal before moving to Portsmouth, then returning for a second spell with the Gunners in January on a short-term deal could be about to ask Lennon to deal him in as the rookie boss sets about achieving that ambition.

Last month Spurs boss Harry Rednapp who won the FA Cup with Portsmouth with Campbell at the heart of his defence said Celtic “would walk” the SPL if the veteran signed for the Parkhead club.

If Campbell signs for Celtic he will compete with recalled skipper Stephen McManus, Glenn Loovens, Jos Hooiveld, Thomas Rogne and Irishman Darren O’Dea for a starting place.

From arsenalfcweb.co.uk