Sources: Celtic work on Miguel Chaiwa deal but won't pay asking price
Celtic will only look to bid as high as £5million for Hibernian's maestro Miguel Chaiwa, sources have told Football Insider.
The Hoop are “very keen” on signing the 22-year-old midfielder and are expected to test the Edinburgh club’s resolve.
However, Celtic are unwilling to meet the reported £7m price tag set by Hibs, despite his standout first season in the Scottish Premiership.
Hibs are under no pressure to sell Chaiwa this summer, but have braced themselves for interest from the Hoops this summer transfer window.
The Zambia international is the “right profile” Celtic want to add to their midfield ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, with an overhaul expected in this department.
Chaiwa made 28 appearances in the Scottish Premiership last season as Hibs finished fifth and qualified for Europe.
What can Miguel Chaiwa bring to Celtic?
Chaiwa’s most promising attributes last season were no doubt his ability to defend.
The midfielder had some outstanding defensive stats in the Scottish Premiership, which no doubt helped Hibs qualify for Europe.
According to Fotmob on 26 June, he was averaging 1.00 successful dribbles, 6.69 duels won, 1.24 aerial duels won, 3.20 fouls won, 1.19 interceptions and 5.16 recoveries per 90 minutes in the Scottish top-flight.
Given that Celtic were heavily struggling at the back last season, and did not keep a clean sheet in any of their final six matches in all competitions, Martin O’Neill may be hopeful that Chaiwa can finally resolve this issue.
Who else are Celtic linked with?
Football Insider has exclusively revealed that Celtic are confident of agreeing a deal to sign Marcelo Saracchi this summer.
The left-back was on loan to the Hoops last season and enjoyed a successful spell as the club won a domestic double.
In recent days, Celtic have seen a loan bid rejected by Boca Juniors for the 28-year-old, with the Argentine club aiming for a permanent sale.
Talks are expected to take place between the two clubs in hopes of reaching an agreement, which all parties seem keen on.
However, it remains to be seen if Celtic are able to bring in Saracchi over the coming months, as they look to defend their Scottish Premiership crown.