Speculation was abuzz in July that Circati would fetch a transfer fee in the low 30s (million AUD) if he were to leave Serie A club Parma, where he is contracted through to the end of 2028/29.
His father and agent, Gianfranco Circati, had told Football360 in a July interview that there was "realistic" interest in Circati from a "buzzing market", not downplaying reported links to some major European clubs from Paris Saint-Germain to Atletico Madrid and Newcastle United.
Now there is reportedly an even greater interest from some of the powerhouses of the Serie A, and Parma are understandably playing hardball in response.
Football transfer Ekrem Konur reported that AC Milan and Juventus are now amongst the front-runners vying for Circati's signature and Parma have raised their asking price to a baseline of a whopping US$40m (€34m / AU$57m), which would demolish the all-time record set by an Australian player when Harry Souttar moved to Leicester City in January 2023 for €23m (AU$38m) including add-ons.
Konur reported that Milan and Juventus are both assessed detailed scouting reports and are keen to land Circati due to his tactical versatility, intelligent positioning, and suitability to a high defensive line that can contribute to attacking build-ups - a high priority for both Ruben Amorim and Luciano Spalletti as they look to rebuild their team's defensive lines during their first pre-seasons in charge.
Circati Sr. said in July that his son was "very happy" at Parma and that a pre-season move is by no means a sure thing as far as he was concerned, with the ball firmly in Parma's court now that suitors are amassing.
Parma are reportedly firm on the baseline price of €34m and are in no financial hurry to move Circati on, according to Konur.
A Circati sale would not only smash Souttar's Australian record but would be well ahead of Lucas Herrington's imminent move to Hull City, who broke their own club record by 100% when they agreed to pay a reported €20m (AU$32.8m) including bonuses to Colorado Rapids.
The 18-year-old was in high demand after he became the youngest Aussie to start at a men's FIFA World Cup.
Herrington's move has likely cost his A-League club Brisbane Roar upwards of AU$4m minimum after they bought back their 20% sell-on clause from Colorado for a reported AU$560k cash.
