New Cremonese defender Emanuel Aiwu has claimed that Celtic were interested in signing him before his transfer to Serie A.
The 21 year old Austrian this week completed a move from Rapid Vienna to the newly promoted Italian side for £3.5million upon his announcement that the Hoops were amongst several clubs vying for his signature.
As reported by The Scottish Sun, Aiwu said: “There were enquiries from Mainz and Celtic and there was interest from clubs in Turkey and Russia, but Cremonese impressed me the most when we spoke – they showed they really wanted me.
“I loved my time at Rapid, but Serie A is an absolute top league, I will be challenged here every week, I’m looking forward to this opportunity.
“We know that our aim is to stay in Serie A, but I do think we can do more than just avoid relegation. But there is a real chance for me to make a name for myself in Italy.”
A familiar face in a well-stocked position
Celtic will be well acquainted with Aiwu, the Austrian scored a 90th-minute pre-season equaliser for his old club against the Hoops just last month in the 3-3 draw with Rapid Vienna.
As scouting trips go – it would be one of the more convenient outings, with the friendly allowing Celtic’s management and analytics team to run the rule over the young defender.
Although it wouldn’t be the first time that interest would be fabricated to push offers up in negotiations, Celtic could well have been interested in the U-21 international prior to the signing of Moritz Jenz last month – as well as any number of other targets.
With a significant outlay on securing Cameron Carter-Vickers permanently this summer, Celtic are well stocked for centre-halves, but could well move to secure another before the end of the transfer window with Christopher Jullien’s exit looking likely.
Either way, Aiwu is one that won’t be wearing green and white again this season.
In other news: “It’s going for 95 minutes”; Relentless Celtic leave impression on Ross County
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