Matteo Moretto gives Football España exclusive information on the latest deals dominating the papers in Spain, as revealed in Fabrizio Romano’s Daily Briefing.
Atalanta have had Matt O’Riley offer turned down – not the only side interested
The first offer for Matt O’Riley from Atalanta was around €15m, and that has been turned down. Celtic are asking for more, bearing in my mind a larger offer was rejected in January. Celtic and Atalanta are negotiating, and the Italian side are very focused on getting a deal done.
O’Riley knows about, but he is also conscious of interest from other sides around Europe. Given that interest, anything can still happen, but Atalanta are looking to make another offer soon. I get the feeling that Atalanta want to accelerate and wrap up a deal soon, but obviously it depends in part on Celtic’s demands. The two clubs have to reach an agreement, and then Atalanta will have to speak with O’Riley, who they have not agreed terms with yet.
Arsenal interest in Spanish talent but may face obstacle
I’m told that Joan Garcia of Espanyol has a lot of talent, and people speak wonders of him. The consensus is that he will be a top goalkeeper. What I know on his future is that Arsenal have enquired about the 23-year-old. Currently, it’s not moved much from there. That said, Garcia wants to play next season – unless a big opportunity comes in for him, then he would consider staying at Espanyol in order to continue his development.
If he doesn’t go this summer, I think he will leave next summer though – Garcia will be one of the most coveted goalkeepers on the market before long.
Joao Cancelo has told Jorge Mendes to get him back to Barcelona
Joao Cancelo’s priority goes by the name of Barcelona. In the last few months, he has rejected various offers from Saudi Arabia, now there are clubs in Europe that have enquired too. But the priority for Cancelo is to remain at Barcelona. He knows that Barcelona and Manchester City will have to reach an agreement for that to happen, but he has told his agent Jorge Mendes that he wants to go back. Barcelona, for their part, they will make an effort in order to retain him – that’s what I’m told.
So Cancelo’s future has not changed much in the last couple of months, and it hinges on the agreement, we’ll exactly how far both teams are willing to go to find one. But the priority and his desire is to return.
Interest in Joao Felix growing, but he awaits Barcelona return
The Joao Felix case is similar to that of Cancelo. He continues to wait to see if he has the option to remain at Barcelona. At the start of the transfer market, Barcelona communicated to him that their intention was to retain him, and they will try to do so. That was before the Euros, but Barcelona Sporting Director Deco has a fluid relationship with Jorge Mendes, Barcelona have asked for some patience.
Obviously Nico Williams plays in a similar area, and going for him is an option on the table for Barcelona. Regarding Nico, there’s a lot of talk of late, but my information is still that Barcelona will need an exit before they can bring Williams in. It depends on who will leave up front, but like Cancelo, he will wait as long as he can to head back to Barcelona.
Taking that into account, it’s true that enquiries for Felix are arriving at Mendes’ door from various clubs, asking his agent as opposed to Atletico Madrid. There are Premier League sides, there’s Benfica who have enquired, but right now, not much movement in the situation, as Felix waits. Then maybe if it isn’t working out, they will have to look at alternatives.
Matteo Moretto will be back with more transfer news in the coming days, providing exclusive information on the biggest stories in Spain and Italy.
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