Atalanta are preparing to make a decisive move for Celtic Glasgow’s Matt O’Riley, regardless of how negotiations with Juventus for Koopmeiners unfold. The Italian club are keen on securing the versatile 23-year-old midfielder, who they believe would adapt well to Gasperini’s playing style. The coach might even consider altering his tactical approach to accommodate another offensive midfielder.
Calciomercato report the Percassi family, Atalanta’s owners, have already submitted two offers for O’Riley, reiterating their commitment to closing deals for targeted players when opportunities arise. However, Celtic has gradually increased their asking price from €25 million to €29 million. Atalanta’s bids have escalated from €15 million to €19 million, including bonuses.
Atalanta are now preparing a new offer that would exceed €20 million, aiming to approach Celtic’s €25 million valuation with bonuses included. This operation could be facilitated if Stuttgart were to pay a similar amount for El Bilal Touré, whom Gasperini doesn’t consider a striker or a backup for Scamacca.
With Juventus’ offer for Koopmeiners still falling short by about €12 million, Atalanta sees the potential acquisition of both Koopmeiners and O’Riley as an opportunity for Gasperini to transition from a 3-4-1-2 formation with two strikers to a 3-4-2-1, featuring the Dutch and English midfielders behind Scamacca.
