The Mexico international became the Bhoys’ first winter signing right at the start of the window, as he made the move north of the border on a straight loan deal until the end of the season.

He has since cemented his place in Martin O’Neill’s starting XI and has played his part in some crucial victories as Celtic battle Hearts and Rangers for the Scottish Premiership title.

Celtic’s transfer plans for next season are already being formed behind the scenes ahead of a new manager coming in, and Araujo has surely already made one of their biggest decisions for them.

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Julian Araujo’s Old Firm displays to prompt permanent Celtic pursuit

Celtic fans were unhappy to see the club fail to spend a single penny on players during the January window, as all five of their new arrivals came in on initial loan deals until the end of the season.

However, Araujo has since turned their stance around due to his performances, and he has now got himself into a position where the fans are desperate to see him stay at Parkhead.

The club hierarchy currently hold no option or obligation to sign him permanently due to the initial terms of the agreement, but they have surely now been left in no doubt that they need to try and pursue a deal for him this summer.

Araujo has excelled across the pair of Old Firm derbies of late, helping Celtic to battle back and earn a point during the Scottish Premiership encounter, before a victory on penalties saw them through to the Scottish Cup semi-finals on Sunday.

The 24-year-old caught the eye with his combative nature and his desire to embrace the occasion in both games, and that has seen him earn even greater plaudits from the supporters.

His ability to shut down Mikey Moore during the latest meeting with Rangers was certainly impressive, and that is far from the only time when he was completely locked down his side of the pitch.

After a frustrating season both on and off the pitch, Celtic are in desperate need of players who truly want to be there for next term, and Araujo certainly appears to fit that bill.

Araujo is slowly pushing Anthony Ralston towards the exit

Football Insider recently revealed that Celtic would be willing to let Anthony Ralston leave the club if he wants to secure more gametime next season.

That stance was set to be underlined even further if the Bhoys opted to pursue a permanent move for Araujo, and as a result, Ralston is surely being edged closer to the exit with every passing game.

The desire to land Araujo will only grow if he continues to perform to his current standard, and that is highly likely to have a significant knock-on effect on Ralston.

At 27, he is in desperate need of regular football in order to extend his career for as long as possible, and he hasn’t started a game for Celtic since 3 January.

That is certain to be frustrating him at the moment, and it would be a huge surprise if he doesn’t decide to act on that ahead of next season.

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