Atletico Madrid have reportedly entered the fray for Inter Milan transfer Matt O’Riley, lunging forward with an offer.
The 23-year-old has now cemented himself as one of the most highly-touted young midfielders in Europe with his scintillating displays for Celtic.
Despite being a midfielder, he boasts an impressive tally of 10 goals and 11 assists across all competitions this season.
The Dane’s exploits caught the attention of several clubs, including the Nerazzurri.
According to Sky Sports via FcInterNews, Inter and Girona are both interested in O’Riley. However, it’s Atletico Madrid who made the concrete step.
The Colchoneros have reportedly made an offer for the midfielder, hoping to lure him to the Spanish capital in January.
The source believes the bid to be a loan with an obligation to buy.
Nevertheless, the report adds that Celtic have placed themselves in a solid position by tying down the player to a long-term contract. O’Riley signed a new deal last September valid until 2027.
Atletico Madrid Enter The Race For Inter Milan Target Matt O’Riley With A Splash
Moreover, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers considers the players an integral part of the the squad and would loathe to lose his services in the middle of the campaign.
O’Riley started his career at Fulham but was released in the summer of 2020. After finding himself without a club for six months, he revived his career at MK Dons, before earning a transfer to Celtic in January 2022.
The London native also switched his international allegiance. After starting out as a budding England international on the youth level, he started representing Denmark in 2022. He recently made his debut for the senior Danish national team.