Celtic decision to chase Lucas Alario justified after incredible start to season

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This summer Celtic were on the hunt for a new striker to help take some of the pressure off Odsonne Edouard up front. 

Not only that, but there was a genuine fear that the Bhoys could lose their French star striker.

Plenty of names were mentioned as potential recruits and, in the end, Celtic managed to secure the signing of Albian Ajeti from West Ham United. 

The Swiss international has had a fairly impressive start to life at the club but another player they seemingly targeted is showcasing just why Celtic were right to make contact over a move. 

Lucas Alario was seemingly one of the first strikers that Celtic tried to bring in this summer. 

As reported by the player’s agent, the Bhoys and Benfica both made moves for the Argentine this summer. 

However, Alario rejected a potential move to Celtic as he wanted to play in a more competitive league. 

“I had (Oscar) Cardozo at Benfica for seven years, I have an excellent relationship with the club,” Aldave told Europa Calcio. “Alario is a suitable profile for the Portuguese club but I don’t know if it could be satisfactory from an economic point of view. At the moment they are just rumors. The only team that has shown interest in Alario is Celtic, but he wants to play in a competitive league.”

The Bayer Leverkusen star has since gone on to enjoy a stellar season so far. The 28-year-old has been in fine form for the German side, scoring five goals in six games and will be looking to increase that tally in the Europa League tonight, when Die Werkself take on Slavia Prague. 

Celtic appear to have no chance of signing Alario but his form has at least justified the attempt to bring him in. 

When Edouard does eventually move on, Celtic fans will hope a player of this calibre is lined up as his replacement.