The latest on Matt O’Riley’s future at Celtic following Atalanta transfer proposal

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Transfer interest in Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley has surfaced this window due to his rising stock at the Scottish Premiership champions.

Earlier today, Fabrizio Romano indicated that Serie A outfit Atalanta had submitted a ‘formal approach’ for O’Riley as they seek out potential replacements for Juventus-linked Teun Koopmeiners.

Southampton and Leicester City have also been credited with an interest in the playmaker, who registered 19 goals and 18 assists last campaign [Transfermarkt].

Nevertheless, O’Riley captained Celtic last night in their 6-4 triumph over Queen’s Park in pre-season, getting himself on the scoresheet at The city Stadium.

Atletico Madrid also saw a bid rejected for his services in January. Now, further information on his situation has come to light.

Celtic rebuff Atalanta’s proposal for Matt O’Riley

According to Football Scotland, Celtic are said to have ‘rebuffed’ a transfer proposal from Atalanta for O’Riley worth £15 million.

The report states that discussions were declined by the Hoops as they put their foot down to try and keep hold of their prize asset.

In the copy, it should be noted that Atalanta plan to return with a ‘fresh approach’ as they look to add quality in the engine room ahead of their Champions League comeback in 2024/25.

La Dea booked their place in Europe’s premier competition after defeating Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League final in Dublin, and it is hard to deny that they wouldn’t be an attractive proposition for players on the market.

Nevertheless, Celtic look to be holding firm amid intense speculation surrounding O’Riley, which is an encouraging sight at this stage in the window.

On the face of it, the 23-year-old is under contract at Parkhead until 2027. The Bhoys are entitled to bargain for a sizeable fee in the event of any prospective departure. It doesn’t appear that they will settle for any less than a premium due to their strong hand.

Realistically, his admirers know that he won’t come cheap. Should anyone manage to change Celtic’s mind, they will need to come forward with a far more convincing offer.