Wilfried Nancy is keen to get a deal over the line ahead of this weekend’s derby blockbuster
11:10, 31 Dec 2025
Julian Araujo is a top Celtic target(Image: Simon Dael/REX/Shutterstock)
Celtic are pushing hard to make Julian Araujo one of their 2026 first recruits and available for the Rangers game.
The Scottish champions are in negotiations with AFC Bournemouth over a loan swoop.
They hope to have a deal in place for the start of the transfer window and for their home clash with city rivals Rangers on January 3.
Boss Wilfried Nancy has identified the Mexican right-back as a top January target.
Bournemouth are prepared to let the Mexican international go out and get games ahead of the World Cup finals, if a deal is financially agreeable.
Nancy knows the Araujo well from his spell at LA Galaxy in Major League Soccer, when he was in charge of CF Montreal and Columbus Crew.
The Mexican, who had previously been capped by the USA, then moved on to Barcelona, but spent that season on loan at Las Palmas before Bournemouth signed him.
Nancy is under pressure to turn Celtic’s fortunes around.
They crashed 2-0 to Motherwell on Tuesday and that is five defeats in his seven games in charge for the Frenchman.
Celtic are looking to strengthen in the January window and Record Sport revealed earlier this week that a right-back, right-sided centre half, right winger and centre forward were all on their initial requirements.
Diego Rossi
Celtic have also been heavily linked with Columbus Crew striker Diego Rossi and are also interested in Ivory Coast star Jocelin Ta Bi.
Genk are also keen on the winger but recent reports claim that Turkish side Trabzonspor have moved into the driving seat by making a £2.5million offer.
The Hoops have targeted the 20-year-old wide man who is on loan with Hapoel Petah Tikva after being sent there on a season-long loan from Maccabi Netanya.
The player is currently sidelined with an ankle injury and Celtic have reportedly asked for a full medical report on his scans to discover the extent of his injury, although reports in Israel have suggested he will only be missing for a few weeks.
But they could be left behind by Turkish side Trabzonspor, who have already slapped in a bid to Maccabi Netanya.
They would also have to compensate his loan club if they wanted to complete the deal.
