As Mikel Arteta prepares for a pivotal summer at the Emirates, Celtic forward Daizen Maeda has emerged as one of the names on Arsenal’s watchlist.
According to TBR Football, the Gunners are among several Premier League clubs monitoring the Japanese international ahead of the transfer window, with Arteta prioritising attacking reinforcements following a season of fine margins — and frustrating missed opportunities.
A season without silverware?
Arsenal have fought on multiple fronts this season but now face the prospect of finishing empty-handed. Liverpool have already secured the Premier League title, and a narrow 1-0 loss to PSG in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final has left Arteta’s men with ground to make up in Paris.
One of the key shortcomings has been a lack of cutting edge up front. Gabriel Jesus has struggled to provide consistent goals, while Kai Havertz — though important in buildup — is not a natural finisher. With Alexander Isak remaining Arsenal’s primary striker target, the club are also keeping tabs on more flexible attacking profiles.
That includes Daizen Maeda.
Maeda’s rise at Celtic
The 27-year-old has been a standout performer for Brendan Rodgers’ side, registering 33 goals and 11 assists in 47 appearances across all competitions this season. He leads the Scottish Premiership in both goals and assists — and has earned a nomination for the PFA Scotland Player of the Year award.
While primarily deployed as a left winger, Maeda has also featured as a centre-forward and even on the right — a level of versatility that would be highly valued by Arteta, who regularly shifts attacking roles depending on the opponent.
Since joining from Yokohama F. Marinos, Maeda has racked up 62 goals and 27 assists in 154 appearances for Celtic — a testament to both consistency and durability.
£25m price tag draws Premier League interest
Celtic reportedly value Maeda at around £25 million, an affordable figure for Premier League sides. Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham, and Aston Villa are also said to have scouted him this season, while clubs in Germany and Italy remain interested.
However, Maeda is not currently pushing for a move. Speaking in March, he said:
“While I’m here, I always want to fight and play for Celtic. I want to keep focusing and playing for the team.”
His manager Brendan Rodgers has also publicly praised the Japanese forward:
“He’s been absolutely brilliant wherever he’s played. He’s had an amazing season. He earns every penny and we feel as a club he deserves more.”
A flexible option for Arsenal’s rotation needs
While not the marquee name to lead the line, Maeda could be a shrewd acquisition for Arsenal — especially if Arteta is looking to add rotational quality without disrupting the current core. His work rate, pressing ability, and final-third productivity would make him a useful option in cup rotations, injury spells, and high-intensity fixtures.
With a summer overhaul expected and a need to address attacking depth, Maeda could be one of the smartest signings of the window — if Arsenal decide to move.
