West Ham United handed Matt O’Riley transfer ultimatum as official offer made for Celtic star
West Ham United are in the middle of a summer of transition under Julen Lopetegui ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
The former Real Madrid manager has wasted little time getting his hands on the squad alongside Tim Steidten to strengthen in several areas as pre-season gets underway in East London.
Max Kilman has bolstered the defence, Luis Guilherme will offer another option in the wide areas and a new striker is understood to be next on the agenda with Jhon Duran a primary target [Evening Standard, 9 July].
On top of that however, Lopetegui appears to be on the lookout for some midfield reinforcements if the right deal can be struck and one name who has repeatedly been linked with the Irons is Celtic’s Matt O’Riley.
Reports have suggested West Ham have already held talks about signing the 23-year-old this summer and the Hoops are understood to be holding out for a club-record £30million fee [Graeme Bailey, 2 July].
Although an official bid is yet to be submitted by the Hammers, Steidten will likely be considering his options after a new update emerged from transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano.
Writing on X on Thursday (11 July) Romano said: “Atalanta submit formal proposal to sign 23-year-old midfielder Matt O’Riley from Celtic.
“Negotiations ongoing with PL clubs also keen but Atalanta are pushing, first bid has been sent. Koopmeiners remains priority target for Juventus.”
Are West Ham United close to any new signings in the summer transfer window?
The Irons will be on red alert now that Atalanta have sent a formal bid for O’Riley’s services as they will know that time could be running out for them to win the race for the Danish international’s signature.
Nothing has been agreed between the two clubs and it isn’t yet known if the Serie A side’s offer matches Celtic’s valuation, but the race for his signature has just stepped up a gear now that offers have been made.
The ultimatum facing the Hammers now is whether to act on their interest following Atalanta’s bid. With time not on their side, Steidten and Lopetegui have to make a quick decision.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers’ stance on a move for Eddie Nketiah has emerged as Marseille ready an opening transfer offer
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