Atalanta and Celtic are currently just two million euros apart in negotiations for Danish midfielder Matt O’Riley, 24, who has been identified as the ideal replacement for Teun Koopmeiners. The move is crucial for Atalanta to finalize the transfer of the Dutch midfielder to Juventus, who are ready to offer a total of 55 million euros for his services, prompting the need for a solid replacement like O’Riley.
The primary obstacle now lies in the Celtic’s demand for a total fee, including bonuses, of 29 million euros. Atalanta has made a significant offer of 27 million, leading to optimism that an agreement can be reached soon. Complicating matters has been interest from Brighton, who are also willing to meet Celtic’s asking price, adding pressure to the negotiations. However, Atalanta has a key ally in O’Riley himself, who has expressed a strong desire to move to the Italian club to play in the Champions League. This factor brings cautious optimism that the deal might be finalized quickly.
If the transfer goes through, O’Riley will become Atalanta’s sixth signing of the summer, following the expected announcement of Marco Brescianini, who has already completed medicals and is set to sign once the squad returns from Warsaw. Coach Gian Piero Gasperini is hopeful to have Brescianini available for Monday’s match against Lecce, as injuries and transfer situations have left the squad somewhat depleted.
Additionally, Atalanta is also working on signing 20-year-old Brazilian winger Wesley from Flamengo, with an offer of 16 million euros plus bonuses already submitted. Reports from Brazil suggest that the club is leaning towards accepting the offer, pending the player’s consent, and talks are ongoing to iron out the final details.
The search for another winger continues following the failed pursuit of Marc Pubill, with Atalanta exploring different profiles to find a player who can potentially play as a defensive center or a full-back. One player back on their radar is 25-year-old Austrian defender Danso from Lens, valued at 25 million euros.
On the outgoing front, El Bilal Touré is drawing interest from Stuttgart, who have made a loan offer with an option or obligation to buy. However, Atalanta would prefer to secure a permanent transfer, with Bournemouth seen as a serious contender given their substantial sale of Dominic Solanke to Tottenham for 75 million euros.
As the transfer window moves towards its final two weeks, the situation surrounding goalkeeper Juan Musso will also need attention. Although Gasperini named him in the starting lineup last night, he has indicated that maintaining a dual arrangement with his fellow keeper Carnesecchi will be challenging this season. There have been preliminary inquiries from Napoli and Fiorentina, but no firm bids have yet come in for the Argentine keeper.