Perennial Scottish Premiership champions Celtic have turned down a €17 million offer from Atalanta for Matt O’Riley. As reported by transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, La Dea’s bid failed to meet the Hoops’ expectations.
It’s understood that Celtic hold out for their mammoth £30m asking price. There’s no chance Atalanta would come anywhere near that figure unless they sell Teun Koopmeiners to Juventus. But after Gian Piero Gasperini played down rumors linking the Dutchman with a summer exit, the Italians will unlikely send an improved proposal to the Scottish team.
O’Riley joined Celtic from Milton Keynes Dons in 2022 and has since developed into one of the best midfielders in Scottish football. Despite being born in England, he plays for the Denmark national team, though he wasn’t on Kasper Hjulmand’s list of travelers for EURO 2024, perhaps giving Atalanta hope that they could sign him in a cut-price deal.
However, the 23-year-old is vital to Brendan Rodgers’ set-up at Celtic. He wore the captain’s armband as the Hoops hammered MLS franchise DC United in their opening summer friendly over the weekend, chipping in with two goals. His sublime display gave Celtic another reason to fend off Atalanta.
Worryingly for Atalanta, they’re not the only team vying for O’Riley’s signature. La Liga giants, Atletico Madrid, are reportedly keen on the prolific central midfielder and could outmatch La Dea’s proposal to take the Danish star to the Iberian Peninsula.
Diego Simeone wants to add to his midfield options, which could have an undesired knock-on effect on Atalanta.
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