CHARLIE NICHOLAS has tipped Celtic to sign Arsenal defender Pablo Mari to boost their Champions League group stage chances.
The Hoops have already signed last term’s loan stars Jota and Cameron Carter-Vickers on permanent deals, while Ben Siegrist, Aaron Mooy, Moritz Jenz and Alexandro Bernabei have also been recruited.
Manager Postecoglou believes Celtic must have a more robust squad this term if they are to defend their Premiership title and make an impact in the Champions League. In that regard, he feels further additions are still required.
Nicholas is in full agreement and he reckons Celtic should look to his former club Arsenal for defensive reinforcements.
He wrote in the Daily Express: "I think Ange Postecoglou should go to Arsenal to give his Celtic squad more defensive armoury - especially for the Champions League.
"I still feel the team still needs another left-sided central defender, especially if they want to make a real impression in the group stages of Europe’s top club competition.
"I know Ange has Carl Starfelt and brought in Moritz Jenz for Lorient, who can play there, but I would prefer a natural left-sided player, somebody who is comfortable on the ball and good at playing out.
"I would like to see him go for a quality and experienced central defender, even if it is only on loan.
"The player I would try and get would be Pablo Mari at Arsenal. The Spaniard is experienced, is naturally left-sided, is a real presence and is a good, good player.
"The fact he is at Arsenal and had previously been at Manchester City shows the sort of quality Mari has.
"I know he has had loan spells at both clubs but he was out at Udinese last season and that again shows the level he is at.
"I think Celtic’s squad is stronger than last season but I don’t think they have taken a leap forward yet.
"Yes, I know it is early in the season and the new players are still bedding in but until Ange addresses the left-sided centre back then I don’t see Celtic taking that leap forward again.
"I think Starfelt and Jenz will get Celtic by domestically but they need to raise the bar again, especially for the Champions League."
