Celtic could be left reeling as £2.6m Millwall transfer is confirmed | OneFootball

Millwall have pipped Celtic to the signing of Guadeloupean forward Tairyk Arconte this summer

Millwall, fresh off the back of play-off heartbreak in the Championship last season, are looking to put their disappointment behind them and attack the top six once again, having already completed their first bit of summer business ahead of strong competition.

Indeed, Millwall came ever so close to securing a place in the Premier League for the first time last season.

The Lions fell just short of a place in the top two, finishing one point behind Ipswich Town in 2nd, and subsequently falling to Hull City in the play-off semi-finals after a 2-0 home defeat in the second leg at The Den.

Head coach Alex Neil will be bitterly disappointed with the outcome, having mastered the play-offs twice previously with Norwich City and Sunderland, but was unable to replicate that feat in Southwark this time around.

Now, the Scottish head coach is not resting on his laurels and will be coming back with a vengeance ahead of another promotion push next season, and has wasted no time in reinforcing their attacking options after beating significant European pedigree to the signature of an exciting striker.

Celtic will feel Millwall envy after missing out on a deal for Guadeloupean forward Tairyk Arconte to the Lions this summer

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Millwall's attack is quickly becoming one of the most exciting in the entire Championship, with Mihailo Ivanovic and Josh Coburn up top, and Femi Azeez, Camiel Neghli, and Macauley Langstaff offering support, the Lions are fast forming a hugely competitive front line.

And now, Neil's side doesn't appear to be done with strengthening it further, having recently completed the addition of Rodez striker Tairyk Arconte amid interest from Scottish giants Celtic.

Arconte, 22, has spent his entire professional career to date in France with the likes of Ajaccio, Brest, Pau, and Rodez, and his 13 goals and three assists in 30 Ligue 2 games in the most recent campaign have seen Millwall part ways with around €3 million (£2.6 million) to bring him to the English capital.

The Lions' recruitment strategy over the past half-decade has seen them pluck some incredible players for dirt cheap, such as Zian Flemming, Japhet Tanganga, Mihailo Ivanovic and Tristan Crama, and now look to continue that trend with Arconte.

It is a testament to Millwall's progression over recent years that they have become just as, if not a more attractive option to talented players than Celtic, despite having not played in the top-flight since 1990, and with the Bhoys having missed out on his addition, they will be watching his progress with one eye, hoping that they haven't made a huge blunder.

Millwall's relationship with Rodez likely played a factor in the move, having previously signed Derek Mazou-Sacko from the French outfit, and reportedly having made a bid for right-back Nolan Galves previously.

Arconte has represented the Caribbean nation of Guadeloupe on seven occasions already, scoring three times, and now heads to the Championship to continue his development, where he will push both Ivanovic and Coburn for a place in the starting 11.

Millwall supporters will be hoping they have another gem on their hands that can help to fire them to the Premier League before collecting a lucrative fee in years to come, as Celtic pray Arconte doesn't become a player they forever regret missing out on.

Alex Neil will be hoping for Tairyk Arconte impact at Millwall after beating Celtic to his signature

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Having missed out on promotion by the skin of their teeth last time around, Neil and Millwall will be keen to right their wrongs next season, and will be hoping the addition of Arconte can go some way towards helping their efforts.

The Scot often used two strikers up top across the course of the campaign, so Arconte's addition may mean a more permanent shift to that system, offering competition to Ivanovic and Coburn, or it could mean that one of their two current options is on their way out.

Whatever the case, Millwall have made a not insignificant investment in the forward, and it would be no surprise to see the Guadeloupean receive a large amount of game time next season.

He could well be spoken about as an incredible addition in years to come, if things go the way Millwall hope, as Celtic cross their fingers that this doesn't become a big regret.