Sources: Celtic ready move for Hearts star Claudio Braga

Celtic are ready to firm up their interest in Hearts attacker Claudio Braga this transfer window, sources have told Football Insider.

Martin O’Neill is looking to bolster his options up top in the remaining weeks of the transfer window and has set his sights on the 26-year-old striker.

Braga has been heavily linked away this summer, with Rangers also reportedly holding interest.

This comes after a sensational 2025-26 campaign with the Jambos, with the attacker netting 14 times in the Scottish Premiership as the club finished second in the table.

This saw Braga win the Scottish Premiership’s Player of the Season award, as the Edinburgh club came within 90 minutes of lifting the title.

Hearts and the attacker have had a tough start to the 2026-27 campaign to date, losing all three of their matches, including a 6-1 defeat to Benfica in the Europa League third qualifying round first leg on Thursday.

Is Claudio Braga the answer to Celtic’s attacking woes?

Celtic and Martin O’Neill have clearly prioritised reinforcing their frontline this summer.

After numerous attackers underperformed last season, combined with Daizen Maeda’s departure, the Hoops have already brought in Camilo Duran and Kasper Hogh.

However, neither star had a particularly fruitful debut on Monday, with Hogh’s performance being particularly concerning.

Therefore, there may be hope that Braga can finally add consistent goals to Celtic’s front line.

Throughout the majority of the 2025-26 campaign, Braga was excellent and was clearly the best player in the division.

But now, his form has taken a turn for the worse, and he is goalless in his last nine appearances.

Nevertheless, it remains to be seen whether O’Neill can turn this form around if Celtic are able to seal a deal over the coming weeks.

What other business could Celtic complete this summer?

Arne Engels have been heavily linked with a move to West Ham United this summer.

The midfielder played a crucial role at Celtic last season as the club won a domestic double.

Football Insider has exclusively revealed that Celtic are aiming to get the highest possible fee for Engels this summer after rejecting two offers from West Ham.

A third bid is expected from the Hammers, with the Hoops resigned to losing the 22-year-old this transfer window as they prepare to reinvest any funds.