Chelsea's interest in Celtic midfielder Matt O'Riley has been the talk of the town, but a potential move seems increasingly unlikely given the Blues' current squad depth and strategic priorities.
Chelsea's midfield is already brimming with talent, especially with the return of Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo during their pre-season tour in the United States. New signing Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has also made a strong impression, while Romeo Lavia is eager to bounce back after an injury-ridden season.
With the competition for starting spots fierce, it's no surprise that Conor Gallagher is on his way out, with a €40 million (£34 million) move to Atletico Madrid imminent.
While O'Riley has caught the eye of several clubs, including Atalanta, Southampton, and Juventus, his potential role at Chelsea remains unclear. Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has praised O'Riley as a "wonderful footballer," but Chelsea's existing midfield options leave little room for the 23-year-old. Furthermore, O'Riley's £20 million price tag, although moderate, is unlikely to tempt Chelsea, who have other priorities.
Chelsea's need for reinforcements on the wings has become a pressing concern. With Mykhailo Mudryk struggling to make an impact since joining the club 18 months ago, and the Blues missing out on Michael Olise, who moved to Crystal Palace, they risk losing out on other targets like Nico Williams if they don't shift their focus.
Fans on social media platform X have expressed scepticism about the necessity of signing another midfielder, with many calling for the club to prioritise other areas.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has made it clear that any potential transfer would require a significant fee, with the club looking for more than £25 million. This figure would surpass their record sale of Kieran Tierney to Arsenal in 2019.
Meanwhile, Daily Mirror journalist Ryan Taylor has clarified Chelsea's stance, stating that the club "do not hold an interest in Celtic midfielder Matt O'Riley."
It seems Chelsea will likely focus on strengthening other areas of their squad. While Matt O'Riley remains a talented and sought-after player, the Blues' current midfield depth and strategic priorities make a move for the Celtic star improbable.
With Atalanta having already had three bids rejected for O'Riley, and Southampton boss Russell Martin keen on a reunion with the former MK Dons player, it's clear that O'Riley's future lies elsewhere.