Al Qadsiah Make Improved €53m Bid for Serie A Top Scorer Mateo Retegui

Saudi club Al Qadsiah have raised their offer for Italian striker Mateo Retegui to over €50 million. They are proposing a major salary that could make him one of the highest earners in the Saudi Pro League. Negotiations with Atalanta are ongoing as both sides try to reach an agreement on the record-breaking transfer.

WHAT HAPPENED WITH THE BID?

Al Qadsiah submitted an improved bid worth €53 million for Retegui, who finished last season as Serie A‘s top scorer with 25 goals in 36 appearances. Atalanta, however, have rejected this latest offer and are holding out for a minimum of €60 million. The Saudi club has offered Retegui a contract worth up to €20 million per season, making the move very tempting for the striker. Talks remain active, with Atalanta considering their options and Al Qadsiah eager to finalise the deal soon. Retegui is reportedly open to the move, eager to accept the lucrative salary and new challenge in Saudi Arabia.

IMPACT ON ATALANTA AND SERIE A

Retegui was only signed by Atalanta last year for €20 million from Genoa, before emerging as their key player. His immediate impact was undeniable as he went on to win the Capocannoniere award and helped lift Atalanta to a strong finish in Serie A. The club’s impressive campaign also saw them secure a Champions League spot, ending the season in the third position.

According to a previous report, Atalanta finished 3rd in Serie A last season, qualifying for the Champions League.

Retegui’s performances have also attracted interest from clubs like Arsenal and AC Milan, but Al Qadsiah’s financial offer is currently unmatched. If the sale is completed, Atalanta will have to swiftly find a replacement for the 26-year-old forward, with Napoli’s Giacomo Raspadori and Udinese’s Lorenzo Lucca rumoured to be targets.

WHAT’S NEXT IN THE TRANSFER SAGA?

Negotiations will continue between the two clubs as Al Qadsiah push to match Atalanta’s asking price. Atalanta are set to begin their pre-season preparations ahead of the new Serie A campaign, where they face newly promoted Pisa on opening weekend.

Al Qadsiah finished fourth in the Saudi Pro League last season, according to a previous report.

Al Qadsiah, meanwhile, are looking to rebuild after finishing near the foot of the Saudi Pro League table.

Matteo Retegui is travelling with the Atalanta squad to France for the club’s pre-season tour but the stamp on his passport might change soon if the goalscorer departs the Bergamo outfit.