Chelsea have entered the race to sign Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley, who has been attracting attention with his impressive performances for the Hoops. The Blues see him as a potential replacement for Conor Gallagher, who has turned down a new contract amid interest from Atletico Madrid. With Gallagher potentially leaving for around £34 million, Chelsea could use the funds to secure O’Riley’s signature.
However, Celtic have already rejected offers for their star player, including a £14 million bid from Southampton. Crystal Palace and Brighton are also long-term admirers of O’Riley. Italian side Atalanta has been chasing the midfielder throughout the summer, but the allure of Premier League football may sway his decision.
To convince Celtic to sell, Chelsea may need to offer more than £20 million plus additional incentives. Brendan Rodgers, Celtic’s manager, is adamant that O’Riley will not be going anywhere until the club’s asking price is met.
Chelsea has been active in the transfer market, recently completing the £20.7 million signing of goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen from Villarreal. However, they may face the prospect of losing left-back Ben Chilwell, with Manchester United showing interest in the player. There are concerns that Chilwell may not fit into Enzo Maresca’s system, as the Italian prefers inverted full-backs who drop into midfield.
This potential move for Matt O’Riley highlights Chelsea’s determination to strengthen their squad and maintain their competitiveness in the Premier League. With other clubs also vying for the midfielder’s signature, the Blues will need to act decisively to secure his services. The addition of O’Riley would not only provide depth to their midfield but also add young talent with the potential for further development.
Furthermore, Chelsea’s interest in O’Riley showcases their commitment to investing in promising young players. The club has a history of nurturing and developing talented individuals, and O’Riley could be the next in line to benefit from their renowned youth system.
In conclusion, Chelsea’s pursuit of Matt O’Riley indicates their ambition to bolster their squad with promising talent. While they face competition from other Premier League clubs and Atalanta, the allure of Premier League football and the potential opportunity to replace Conor Gallagher could sway O’Riley’s decision. Chelsea will need to meet Celtic’s asking price and act swiftly to secure the midfielder’s services.