The Cumbrian team, who are currently at the bottom of the Football League hierarchy, has had a terrible season.
Though Mike Williamson has been busy so far in the January transfer window, Carlisle’s position at the bottom of League Two after 25 games of the 2024–25 season has not lived up to expectations.
Despite their league position, outgoings may also occur before the window closes and Armstrong is nearing a departure.
Williamson has brought four new players to Brunton Park: Stephen Wearne, with whom he worked at MK Dons; Cedwyn Scott; Callum Whelan; and most recently, Joe Hugill on loan from Manchester United.
A move north of the border to the Scottish top flight might be desirable, and it is unclear if Carlisle will be willing to deal with two divisional rivals. The Daily Record was the first to raise attention to Motherwell’s interest.
This season, Armstrong has had difficulty scoring goals and earning a consistent starting position. After joining in mid-season from Harrogate Town in a rumored club-record deal when Carlisle was still in League One, the former Middlesbrough prospect scored three goals in the second half of the 2023–24 season. However, he hasn’t been able to get going this time around.
However, he does remain the side’s top scorer this season.
Armstrong has been lined up for the exit door, and was left out of the squad for Saturday’s 1-0 home defeat to Bradford City in order to avoid running the risk of picking up an injury and being unable to complete a move away from Carlisle.
Carlisle have already signed two strikers this month and boss Mike Williamson detailed the state of play regarding a departure, which the 28-year-old wants in order to play week-in, week-out.
“It was just a mutual conversation about [the fact] there are things happening, possibilities for him,” Williamson told the News & Star.
“I just thought he thought the risk of coming in and playing, getting on the pitch and getting injured, would scupper it.
“So it was more of a mutual agreement that something’s on the horizon, [although] it has not happened yet.
“He’s someone who I’m happy to keep around, but he obviously wants as much game time as he possibly can and with us bringing in two number nines, he feels as though he’s not going to get that.
“Luke’s been fantastic and he’s a great lad. I’ve never said anything other than positive things about him. But when he wants to play week in, week out, you can’t deny it – I can’t facilitate that here.
