Chelsea consider shock move for Celtic star

Chelsea suffered another pre-season defeat when they faced Premier League champions Manchester City on Saturday. 

The Blues had already been held to a draw by Wrexham and lost to Celtic this summer, and they were no match for the Citizens as Pep Guardiola’s side cruised to a 4-2 victory.

Erling Haaland scored a hat-trick for City, while fellow Norwegian Oscar Bobb was also on the scoresheet.

Off the pitch, it appears increasingly likely that midfielder Conor Gallagher will depart Stamford Bridge this summer.

The Blues have accepted an offer for the player from Spanish side Atletico Madrid, but the Englishman is yet to make a decision on his future.

If Gallagher does depart, Chelsea could look to Celtic star Matt O’Riley as a replacement for the England international, according to Sky Sports.

O’Riley has emerged as a surprise target for Chelsea

The Dane – who has been capped twice by his country – joined the Scottish champions two years ago after departing Football League side MK Dons.

The 23-year-old central midfielder has played more than 120 times for Celtic over the past two seasons, and his impressive displays have attracted interest from the Blues.

It is claimed that the Denmark international has already been the subject of offers from Italian side Atalanta this summer, but Chelsea could join the race to land the player.

Atletico Madrid – who are in talks to sign Gallagher, have also had an offer rejected for the Celtic star during the current transfer window.

O’Riley’s contract with the Scottish Premiership champions is set to run until the end of the 2026/27 season, but Chelsea could move for him if Gallagher departs Stamford Bridge in the coming weeks.