Celtic Register Interest In This Guadeloupe ‘Number 9’: Why He Should Be Brought In As Maeda’s Successor | OneFootball

If a recent report from the French outlet FootMercato is believed to be true, Celtic are keeping close tabs on Taïryk Arconte ahead of a potential summer swoop. But they are not alone in the race, with the newly-promoted Ligue 1 outfit Auxerre and the English Championship side Millwall also considering a move for the in-form Rodez centre-forward.

The 22-year-old Guadeloupe international progressed through the academy ranks of SS Baie-Mahault, Stade Lamentinois, Moulien and US Baie-Mahault before being roped in by Ajaccio. An impressive stint with the reserves earned him a first-team status in Ligue 2.

Brest snapped him up in 2022, but the lack of first-team opportunities in the top flight led to a season-long loan switch to Rodez a year later. Following a one-season spell with Pau FC in the aftermath of a €600k (as claimed by Transfermarket) transfer, Arconte returned to Rodez last summer, this time on a permanent transfer.

What He Would Bring To Parkhead

The youngster made an immediate impact, netting 14 goals and laying on 3 more in 34 league appearances. Although the Blood and Golds endured heartbreak on penalties in the second round of the playoffs against Saint-Étienne, Arconte’s flying form helped them punch above their weight despite missing out on the Ligue 1 promotion.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – NOVEMBER 02: Callum Osmand of Celtic celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the Premier Sports Cup Semi Final match between Celtic and Rangers at Hampden Park on November 02, 2025, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Celtic, on the other hand, revived their season under Martin O’Neill, who guided them to a domestic double in the final week of the 2025-26 campaign. After a brief search, the board decided to continue with the veteran Northern Irishman, who has now been handed a new deal beyond last season’s interim role. However, the 74-year-old must be backed with quality additions, particularly up top, rather than the failed winter recruits such as Tomas Cvancara, Junior Adamu and Joel Mvuka.

Why He Holds All The Traits To Succeed Maeda

The Hoops currently have decisions to make to resolve their conundrum high up the pitch. Kelechi Iheanacho has scored some crucial goals, but his persistent injury woes must have left the club in a dilemma about whether to offer him a contract extension. Daizen Maeda has reiterated his desire to leave and pursue a fresh challenge elsewhere, while interest from West Ham United could create uncertainty over Callum Osmand’s future.

Hailed for his explosive pace, instincts, poaching traits, and high work ethic, Arconte draws similarities to Maeda across the frontline. His ability to slot in down the wide would offer tactical flexibility while changing the shape and formation during the game. Nevertheless, Celtic must get the deal done at the earliest, learning from the mistakes made over the past couple of windows.