Celtic could pull off a 'transformative' signing who's impressed ex-Chelsea manager
Celtic supporters should be excited about the potential signing of Matteo Cancellieri after what Maurizio Sarri was wowed by his "transformation".
Cancellieri has emerged onto the Hoops' radar in the last week as Lazio aim to cash in on him before his contract expires in June 2027.
The 24-year-old has plenty of experience in a top European league under his belt after previous loan spells at Empoli and Parma.
Celtic fans should be pushing the club to get his signature over the line, considering how much Sarri believed he had improved before he left for Atalanta in May.
Martin O'Neill is prioritising a move for a new right winger to provide competition to Hyun-jun Yang for the season ahead.
Maurizio Sarri thinks Matteo Cancellieri became 'completely different' after key development
Cancellieri is believed to be available for less than his £12.8million valuation as Lazio aim to complete a transfer away before the end of the window.
He registered four goals and two assists in 30 Serie A appearances last season after returning to the capital club with ex-Chelsea boss Sarri in charge.
The 24-year-old scored an impressive brace in a 3-3 draw against Torino last October, which prompted Sarri to heap praise on his abilities after the game.
He said: "He’s developed on his own; he’s a completely different player compared to two years ago. He’s much more mature and confident in his abilities. He’s currently at his best in terms of acceleration and attacking.
"If we force him to pass the ball, his quality really shines through. He still has plenty of room for improvement in one-on-one situations when entering the penalty area.
“He’s now focused on his development and shows no signs of arrogance, which I think is important. Unfortunately, we have a few players with that instinct, and that makes it difficult for us to function as a team.
"I’ve rarely seen a player with a winning instinct in fifty years. If Maradona does it, that’s fine; if an average or even decent player tries it, well, that’s not so good. That’s how I view football.”
Celtic would clearly be signing an exciting winger if they can get Cancellieri's signature over the line this summer.
Celtic could see Cancellieri as a Haissem Hassan alternative
Sources have told Football Insider that Celtic have a good chance of signing Real Oviedo star Hassan this summer if they stump up a big enough fee for the Spanish side to accept.
They have already seen a £3.4m offer for his services rejected this summer, and are reportedly weighing up another bid right now.
Oviedo director David Fernandez has reiterated his desire to stand form against an exit, so the Hoops may now be moving their focus on to Cancellieri for the time being.
Fellow Lazio winger Gustav Isaksen is also thought to be a Celtic target, but recently underwent surgery on a hernia.