Celtic and Rangers are locked in a bitter transfer battle for a top Serie A winger – and BOTH clubs have had their offers REJECTED
The Old Firm transfer war is heating up. Both sides of the Glasgow divide are chasing the same in-demand star, but Frosinone are playing hardball.
Celtic had a £6m bid turned down. Days later, Rangers submitted an £8m offer – and it was also KICKED OUT. Now the Italian club are demanding over £10m for their prized asset.
THE REJECTED BIDS
Celtic were first to make their move. The Hoops have been tracking the 23-year-old since January and reignited their interest this summer. Their opening offer of £6m was swiftly rejected by Frosinone, who value the winger at more tan £10m.
Rangers then entered the race. Derek McInnes, desperate to add firepower to his squad, submitted an £8m-plus bid – and it was also turned down. It’s believed Frosinone are holding out for a fee in excess of £10m, with the player under contract until 2028.
FROSINONE’S STANCE
Club president Maurizio Stirpe has made it clear: Frosinone do not have to sell. Speaking at the club’s season launch, Stirpe said: “If I had been left alone, selling Ghedjemis would have been a necessity tomorrow morning. Today, it’s something we can even ignore.”
However, sports director Renzo Castagnini insisted the club would continue to listen to offers. “We know we can keep him. However, it’s a club’s duty to listen to offers.”
THE PLAYER
The 23-year-old Algeria international had a standout campaign last season, registering 15 goals in 37 Serie B appearances for Frosinone as they secured promotion to Italy’s top flight. His form earned him a place in Algeria’s World Cup squad.
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has publicly admitted the winger is a player he wants in his squad. “We have a very strong interest in him,” O’Neill said. “I don’t know how close we can get, but we are genuinely making good progress.”
THE OLD FIRM BATTLE
This is not the first time the two Glasgow giants have gone head-to-head for a transfer target. But this saga has all the makings of a classic Old Firm transfer war. Both clubs need wingers. Both clubs have had bids rejected. Both clubs are determined to land their man.
Rangers are also closing in on the arrival of Hannover winger Daisuke Yokota for nearly £3m, but they clearly want Ghedjemis too. Celtic have already spent £11m on striker Kasper Hogh and £6m on forward Camilo Duran, but O’Neill wants more.
WHAT’S AT STAKE
The clock is ticking. Celtic face a Champions League play-off clash with LASK on August 20. Rangers have Europa League qualifiers to navigate. Both managers want new faces in before those crucial European ties.
Frosinone are in a strong bargaining position. With interest from across Europe, including the Premier League, they can afford to wait for the right offer.
THE REACTION
Celtic fans are demanding the board back O’Neill. Rangers fans want McInnes to gazump their rivals. The transfer battle is already dominating the back pages.
One Celtic fan said: “Just pay the money. We need him.” A Rangers supporter added: “Gazump them. This is what the Old Firm is all about.”
THE BOTTOM LINE
Both bids rejected. Frosinone demanding £10m+. Celtic and Rangers locked in a transfer war. Who will blink first?
