Serie A giants Atalanta cannot reconcile with Celtic’s stubborn stance on Matt O’Riley as they’ve tested the Hoops’ resolve again. According to Fabrizio Romano, La Dea tabled a fourth bid for the Danish midfielder worth €23 million on Saturday.
However, that’s still €5m short of Celtic’s €28m valuation. The reigning Scottish Premiership holders are reluctant to budge on their valuation. They’ve made that abundantly clear by rejecting the Italian club’s fourth offer for their sought-after star.
Atalanta have been hot on O’Riley’s heels since the start of the summer. Unfortunately, their relentless efforts haven’t come to fruition, with Celtic jealously holding out for their asking price. On top of that, Gian Piero Gasperini’s side may now have to deal with Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Seagulls have joined the hunt for the prolific midfielder, whose record-breaking form in 2023/24 made him one of the most in-demand players in the United Kingdom. Despite playing as a center-midfielder, O’Riley tallied 19 goals and 18 assists in 49 games last season.
At 23, O’Riley’s career can only improve, and it makes sense that Atalanta are keen to lure him to Bergamo. Teun Koopmeiners’ likely departure from the Gewiss Stadium would only amplify the club’s need for a new creative midfielder.
Gasperini confessed earlier this week that the Dutchman revealed his ambition to leave Atalanta to join Juventus. If the move goes through, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Europa League winners go ‘all-out’ to sign O’Riley late in the summer.
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