Chelsea eyeing up £20m move for Celtic star as a potential replacement for Conor Gallagher - Reports
Chelsea are reportedly contemplating a move for Celtic midfielder Matt O'Riley as Conor Gallagher is linked with an exit. The 24-year-old Englishman has reportedly been excluded from the Blues' first-team training due to an impasse in extension talks.
Gallagher's current deal runs out next summer, but the midfielder rejected two contract extension offers from the Blues due to the length of the deal. He hasn't made up his mind to leave yet but has been told that he's out of reckoning for the first team.
However, as per The Athletic (via GOAL), the Blues don't want him to leave for free in 2025 while they search for his replacement. With his departure seeming imminent before the new season starats, the Blues have identified Celtic's O'Riley - as per The Sun (via GOAL). But the Dane wants assurances of regular first-team football, which might not be forthcoming.
O'Riley was a solid performer for Celtic last season, registering 19 goals and 18 assists in 49 games across comeptitions. However, the Blues face competition for his services, with Crystal Palace and Brighton & Hove Albion also in the fray. The midfielder is expected to cost around £20 million.
Meanwhile, as per The Athletic (via GOAL), Tottenham Hotspur and Atletico Madrid are interested to snap up Gallagher, but the midfielder's preference remains unknown.
What's next for Chelsea?
Chelsea continue their pre-season tour of the US when they lock horns with reigning La Liga and UEFA Champions League winners Real Madrid on Tuesday (August 6) at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.
Earlier, they commenced their tour with a 1-1 draw with Wrexham at the Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara before losing 4-1 to Celtic at the Notre Dame Stadium in Indiana.
Enzo Maresca notched up his first win as the Blues boss when his side beat Club America 3-0 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. However, they slumped to a 4-2 loss to Manchester City at the Ohio Stadium in Columbus.
The Blues open their new campaign against the reigning four-time Premier League champions at home on August 18 following two more friendlies, with Real Madrid (August 6) and Inter Milan (August 11).