Matt O'Riley is especially highly regarded in Italy. Celtic fans will know that well, having seen Atalanta put in multiple offers to sign the Danish international last summer while Inter Milan and Juventus were also linked with him. Now, less than a year after joining Brighton & Hove Albion, it looks like he could be on the move again.
A three-team race seems to be developing in Italy for the signature of O'Riley. Napoli are believed to have put in a €30 million offer to sign him. On the other hand, Atalanta have been linked with an interest once again. And finally, AS Roma are a new name that has emerged as a potential destination.
So, O'Riley does not have a lack of suitors. Which club would he prefer to join this summer if he did end up leaving Brighton & Hove Albion?
As reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Daily Record), AS Roma have already made contact with O'Riley's entourage with the player "eager" to join the club. They are said to be 'formulating" a loan offer with an obligation to buy next summer.
Celtic hero Matt O'Riley decides which Serie A club he wants to join
It remains to be seen if AS Roma are able to agree a deal with Brighton & Hove Albion to sign O'Riley. The Segulls are not believed to be actively looking to part ways with the Dane but would be open to an exit if their transfer valuation is met.
It is worth pointing out that Gian Piero Gasperini is the new AS Roma manager. He was with Atalanta when they made multiple offers to sign O'Riley last summer. So, the interest is nothing new, even though the club is different this time around.
Napoli have to be given a slight advantage in the race as they have put a substantial offer on the table. Let's see how things play out from here and whether Atalanta make their move.