Chelsea keen on Celtic’s Matt O’Riley if Conor Gallagher leaves the club

August 4, 2024Ligue 1

Chelsea are keen on Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley as they assess potential replacements for Conor Gallagher according to Sky Sports.

The Blues have agreed a fee worth around £34 with Atletico Madrid for the England international, who is expected to give his final answer on Monday.

Gallagher’s future has been a topic of conversation for the last 18 months and it’s been reported that he rejected three offers of a new contract from Chelsea.

O’Riley a potential Gallagher replacement

Chelsea have only offered Gallagher a two year deal with the option of a further 12 months as they have doubts over his suitability for Enzo Maresca’s system.

The new deal would see a pay rise for Gallagher, but he’s believed to want a longer term deal like many of his team-mates have signed.

If Gallagher decides to join Atletico Madrid it remains unclear if Chelsea would go into the market for a replacement given the options they have in the middle of the park.

O’Riley is attracting interest from a host of clubs this summer.

However, Sky Sports have reported that Celtic midfielder O’Riley is one of several options the Blues are keen on.

O’Riley impressed for Celtic in their 4-1 win over Chelsea in pre-season, and he’s attracted interest from Serie A side Atalanta as well as newly promoted Southampton.

The 23-year-old scored 19 goals in 49 appearances in all competitions for Celtic last season and is under contract with the Scottish Champions until 2027.

It doesn’t make a huge amount of sense for Chelsea to replace Gallagher if he departs given they have already signed Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and they also have talented youngster Andrey Santos on their books.