Wanyama snr prefers Arsenal move

Kenya and Celtic star Victor Wanyama’s dad has welcomed reports linking the midfielder to English side, Arsenal.

According to the Daily Star, Gunners boss, Arsene Wenger, will thwart advances from Cameroonian midfielder, Alex Song, in the summer to bid an estimated Sh.1.4 billion to acquire the services of the former Belgian-based midfielder.

Wanyama has hit the ground running since his switch to Scotland from Beerschort in 2011 for an estimated Sh.100 million.

“Mugubi (Wanyama) is now ripe for a move to England,” Victor’s dad, Noah Wanyama revealed to the Nation in a n exclusive telephone interview yesterday.

“I have spoken to him severally but he cant state his preference because it wont sound good to the Celtic fans. I believe his style of play will be most suited for Arsenal, considering the kind freedom Wenger allows his players” he added.

Noah Wanyama enjoyed a 10-year stint with the Harambee Stars during his expansive playing career three decades ago, which also included a 15-year stint as a left-sided winger at top flight league club, AFC Leopards.

Wanyama Snr also boasts a successful coaching stint at Nzoia Sugar, Brooke Bond FC, Mbale Heroes (Uganda Super League) and as technical director at AFC Leopards.

Big names could leave

Celtic chief executive, Peter Lawwell, conceded after the side’s elimination by Juventus in the Champions League last week, that he will be ‘powerless’ to stop his senior players from departing Celtic Park this summer.

Apart from Wanyama, who was subject to a Sh900 million bid from QPR, then managed by Mark Hughes last summer, striker Gary Hooper was also a subject of 2 bids from another English side, Norwich, in January.

“I think it is inevitable that one or two players would want to move on. Stability is very important in football, and we would hope to get the balance right to make sure that there is some quality in whoever may replace those that are leaving,” Lawwell told BBC.

Fresh challenge

Wanyama has confided to close friends and family members that he is ready to take on a fresh challenge come next season.

“He is happy at Celtic, no doubt about that, and he has a special rapport with the fans, but considering what he has achieved at Celtic, including winning the championship, he feels that time is ripe for a fresh challenge,” revealed the source, who requested anonymity.

Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool and Juventus have all been cited with having firm interest in Wanyama’s services in the recent past.

Wanyama has netted 10 times in 56 appearances, including the towering header in their 2-1 win over Spanish giants, Barcelona, in the group stages of the UEFA Champions League this season.

At the same time, Celtic boss, Neil Lennon, has admitted he could have to sell some of his star players in the summer after the club’s Champions League escapades.

The Bhoys enjoyed wins over Spartak Moscow and, most significantly, Barcelona, at Parkhead en route to the last-16 of the competition where they were beaten 5-0 by Serie A champions, Juventus.

Even so, despite being proud of his side’s performances, Lennon now fears he will now lose some of his young stars after they showcased their skills on the biggest stage in European football.

“I hope they’ve learned something as they move on in their careers,” he said. “They’ve done the club proud and, tonight, I’m proud to be the manager here in this fantastic arena.

“I hope these young guys will blossom from this experience.

When asked about what the future may hold for his players, he added: “It’s going to be a big ask [to keep them all]. It’s hard to stop progression.

“We’ll see what the summer brings. There’ll be players who will want to advance their careers, which is progression for us too. We want to bring in players, develop them and sell them; so far that strategy’s worked for us.”