Chelsea reportedly “joined” other Premier League teams in their pursuit of Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley, adding him to their roster of outstanding players.
The 23-year-old Danish international was Celtic’s shining star last season, appearing in 37 games for the club and contributing 13 assists and 18 goals in the Scottish Premiership.
This summer, Atalanta, a Serie A club, had bids rejected for midfielder James O’Riley, whose form had gone unnoticed.
Atalanta are up against Premier League rivals interested in acquiring the Celtic star, with Chelsea being the most recent club to express interest.
While Atletico Madrid, a powerhouse in La Liga, is reportedly close to signing England international Conor Gallagher, Chelsea have shown interest in O’Riley.
Chelsea are “determined not to lose Gallagher for nothing” in 2025, according to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, who stated this on Sunday morning.
Atletico Madrid has had their €40 million offer accepted by Chelsea, and according to Romano, they want Conor Gallagher to respond by the weekend’s conclusion.The Premier League team is keen to avoid losing another star player to a free transfer like Antonio Rudiger did. Positive negotiations took place on Saturday, and the Blues are hoping that Gallagher would join Atleti this summer. However, the player’s decision is ultimately up to him.
Three different clubs have offered Gallagher new contracts, but he has repeatedly declined to sign with Chelsea. We will all soon find out the midfielder’s future plans, but he has his own motivations for doing this.
It is Chelsea’s goal to resolve Gallagher’s situation this month, and everyone involved is optimistic that they will succeed. They are hell-bent on keeping the England international after his contract expires in a year.Meanwhile, The Sun states that Chelsea has ‘entered the transfer chase’ to get O’Riley this summer.
After playing together at MK Dons, Southampton boss Russell Martin has a solid relationship with the Hoops star and feels it will help him win the signing battle.
Now that England midfielder Conor Gallagher is expected to depart, Chelsea has added him to their desired list as a possible replacement.
The Saints will likely retry their bid for the 23-year-old Dane, despite having an earlier offer of £14 million turned down. Crystal Palace is keeping an eye on the auction and could end up bidding as well, joining Brighton in their long-term admiration.
O’Riley has also been a target for Atalanta of Italy this summer, but the lure of the Premier League might be stronger.
After Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers declared that the club’s valuation must be satisfied before he departs, the Saints will need to offer more than £20 million and incorporate additional elements to convince Celtic to sell.