We may be closing in on an end to the Matt O’Riley Celtic exit rumours.
Atalanta is now intensifying their efforts to secure the midfielder’s services, after having five bids knocked back for the player. Although interest from other clubs has waned, Atalanta remains at the table, now offering €25 million for O’Riley and agreeing on personal terms with him for a contract extending until 2029.
#Atalanta are pushing to sign Matt #ORiley from #Celtic for €25M. The midfielder has already agreed personal terms for a contract until 2029. He is Gasperini’s main target. After his signing expected #Atalanta’s green light to Teun #Koopmeiners’s sale to #Juventus. #transfers https://t.co/cwvVmVubtA
— Nicolò Schira (@NicoSchira) August 14, 2024
Atletico Madrid seemed to move onto Conor Gallagher, although that deal is in jeopardy of falling through. Brajan Gruda seems to be Brighton’s signing instead of the Celtic midfielder, despite being ready to match Celtic’s asking price for O’Riley.
Today, news emerged that Southampton has also bowed out of the race for the Celtic Player of the Year. [Football Scotland]
Despite this new move, Atalanta’s offer still falls short of Celtic’s valuation. The Scottish champions have been consistent in their stance, holding out for a fee closer to €30 million.
As the transfer window progresses, Atalanta appears determined to land their main target, but they’ll need to inch closer to Celtic’s asking price to finalise the deal. It looks like the most likely destination for Matt O’Riley at the moment.
