Chelsea reportedly identify Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley as a potential option to replace England international Conor Gallagher.
Chelsea have reportedly identified Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley as a potential replacement for Conor Gallagher.
Having entered the final 12 months of his contract, Gallagher has seen his future become the subject of much speculation this summer.
Gallagher has allegedly turned down the chance to sign a new two-year contract with an option for a further 12 months, with the England international holding out for a long-term deal.
Although they have offered Gallagher a new deal, Chelsea are prepared to sell him this summer, especially as his departure would generate pure profit.
The Blues have reached an agreement with Atletico Madrid over a £34m deal, leaving it up to Gallagher to decide whether he wants to join the Spanish club.
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Chelsea considering O’Riley as Gallagher replacement
Chelsea have held talks with Gallagher over the weekend to find a resolution, but they have made him aware that he will have to settle for a squad role if he opts to remain at Stamford Bridge.
While Chelsea await Gallagher’s final decision, the Blues hierarchy are already scouring the market for potential replacements.
According to Sky Sports News, the West London club have identified Celtic’s O’Riley as a potential transfer target.
While O’Riley is being considered as a potential option, the Celtic man will likely want assurances of regular game time if he were to complete a move to Stamford Bridge.
O’Riley heading towards Celtic exit
Celtic are facing a real battle to retain O’Riley’s services, having already turned down multiple offers from Italian side Atalanta BC.
The midfielder, who has earned two caps for Denmark, has also been linked with a reunion with his former MK Dons manager Russell Martin at Southampton.
O’Riley is attracting plenty of interest after scoring 19 goals and providing 18 assists in 49 competitive appearances last season.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, O’Riley played the full duration of Sunday’s Scottish Premiership opener against Kilmarnock.
The 23-year-old registered an assist as Brendan Rodgers‘s side began the defence of their title with a commanding 4-0 victory.