adminCeltic Ready to Intensify Matteo Cancellieri Pursuit as West Ham Battle Heats Up
Celtic are expected to ramp up their efforts to sign Lazio forward Matteo Cancellieri in the coming days, with reports suggesting the Scottish champions are preparing to challenge West Ham United for the Italian attacker.
The Hoops have made strengthening their attacking department a priority during the summer transfer window following several key departures, and Cancellieri has emerged as one of the club’s leading targets ahead of the new Scottish Premiership campaign.
Maeda Exit Sparks Search for New Attacking Options
The departure of Daizen Maeda to Ipswich Town in a deal worth £10 million has left Brendan Rodgers’ side searching for additional firepower. Maeda’s exit created a significant gap in Celtic’s attacking ranks, encouraging the club’s recruitment team to explore several options across Europe.
Cancellieri has quickly become one of the standout candidates. Comfortable playing on either wing or as a central striker, the 24-year-old offers the versatility Celtic are seeking. He featured in 30 Serie A matches last season and is entering the final year of his Lazio contract, a situation that could encourage the Italian club to consider offers before his value begins to decline.
Reports indicate Celtic are now preparing to step up negotiations, with InsideFutbol claiming the Glasgow side are likely to increase their interest over the coming days. West Ham have also been monitoring the player, setting up a potential transfer battle between the two clubs.
While it remains uncertain whether the Hammers will immediately respond with an offer, Celtic’s growing determination could force the Championship side into making a decision sooner rather than later.
Celtic Continue Busy Summer Recruitment
Although Celtic’s transfer activity has been relatively measured so far, the club has continued working behind the scenes to strengthen multiple areas of the squad.
Their only completed permanent signing to date is Colombian striker Camilo Duran, who joined from Qarabag for £6 million. The forward was brought in to add competition in attack, but the Scottish champions are not stopping there.
An £11 million move for Bodo/Glimt striker Kasper Hogh is also nearing completion. The Danish forward is currently undergoing his medical, and if there are no complications, the deal is expected to be finalised shortly.
Celtic have also shown interest in Paderborn midfielder Mika Baur, but their reported £4 million bid was rejected.
Paderborn sporting director Sebastian Lange dismissed suggestions that an agreement was close, insisting every proposal received during the transfer window had fallen short of the club’s valuation. He explained that transfers would only be considered if they made both sporting and financial sense, emphasising that internal player valuations play a major role in their decision-making process.
While Baur remains on Celtic’s radar, the club’s immediate focus appears to be strengthening the attack, with Cancellieri and Hogh now leading the transfer agenda.
Who Is Matteo Cancellieri?
Cancellieri developed through Roma’s academy before making his senior breakthrough with Hellas Verona. His performances earned him a move to Lazio in 2022 following a successful loan spell.
Since arriving in Rome, the forward has also gained valuable experience during loan spells with Empoli and Parma, helping him continue his development through regular first-team football.
Across his senior career, the Italian has scored 13 goals in 142 appearances and earned his first senior Italy cap in 2022.
Now entering what many consider the most important stage of his career, Cancellieri combines pace, versatility and tactical intelligence. His ability to operate in several attacking positions makes him an attractive option for Celtic, whose system relies heavily on fluid movement, pressing and positional flexibility.
With only one year remaining on his contract, Lazio are believed to be open to selling the player for the right price rather than risk losing him for a significantly reduced fee in the future.
West Ham Also Monitoring Situation
West Ham’s interest comes as the club prepares for life in the Championship following relegation from the Premier League.
Despite dropping into England’s second tier, the London side remain financially strong after raising more than £140 million through the sales of Mateus Fernandes and Crysencio Summerville.
Their recruitment plans could, however, depend heavily on the future of captain Jarrod Bowen.
Although Bowen is currently expected to stay, speculation over his long-term future has not disappeared. If the England international remains at the club, West Ham may feel less urgency to pursue another attacking player. However, any movement involving Bowen could quickly increase their interest in Cancellieri.
Celtic’s decision to accelerate negotiations may therefore place additional pressure on the Hammers to clarify their intentions before the transfer window progresses further.
Time Running Short Before Season Begins
With Celtic’s Scottish Premiership opener against Dundee just over a week away, the club is eager to complete its remaining transfer business as quickly as possible.
The arrival of Hogh would provide another proven goalscoring option, while securing Cancellieri would replace the versatility lost following Maeda’s departure and give Rodgers greater depth across the front line.
The club’s recruitment strategy remains focused on identifying talented players whose contractual situations create realistic opportunities in the transfer market. Cancellieri fits that profile perfectly, combining top-flight experience, tactical flexibility and significant long-term potential.
Whether Celtic can beat West Ham to his signature remains uncertain, but the Scottish champions appear determined to push hard for a deal.
The coming days are expected to be crucial, with supporters eagerly awaiting updates on Cancellieri, Hogh and the club’s remaining transfer targets.
As things stand, Celtic are showing no signs of slowing down in the market and are prepared to compete aggressively to strengthen the squad before the new season gets underway.
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