On Monday, Corriere dello Sport reported Atalanta want to beat Premier League sides to sign Celtic’s Matt O’Riley. It was also explained they were set to make new contact with Brendan Rodgers’ side yesterday.
Tuesday’s edition of Gazzetta dello Sport says the Serie A side can ‘accelerate’ their efforts to sign the 23-year-old after El Bilal Touré’s exit.
VfB Stuttgart are keen on signing the 22-year-old striker on loan, a year after he joined La Dea for a club-record fee.
Gazzetta make it clear the Malian’s exit and the possible arrival of the Celtic star are not linked position-wise. Gian Piero Gasperini used Touré as the No.9, while the Celtic player is a midfielder.
The report points this out and says Atalanta can take advantage of the Dane’s ‘strong offensive qualities’, to move him higher up the pitch, if they were to sign him.
Therefore, the Europa League winners are ‘keeping the negotiations alive’ with Celtic. The Italian club’s last offer is around €17m, while Brendan Rodgers’ side have been asking for €25m.
Gazzetta state a ‘mutual effort is still needed’ from both clubs, to find a meeting point at €23-24m including bonuses. In other words, Atalanta have to raise their offer and Celtic have to slightly lower their demand.
The Italian club can ‘accelerate’ deal for O’Riley, if and when Touré leaves.
