Maresca could snatch another City talentplaceholder image
Maresca could snatch another City talent | Getty Images
Chelsea are said to be eyeing another talented young Manchester City star.
Chelsea are said to be interested in another Manchester City star as they look to repeat the success they have enjoyed from the signing of Cole Palmer. The Blues were questioned by some when they paid £40million for a relatively unproven Palmer, but they wound up getting hold of a player who would become one of the best in the Premier League.
If the Blues were to sell Palmer today - and they certainly won’t - they would likely treble their money or more on Palmer, backing up their strategy of signing young players who still have room to grow and develop, both in terms of ability and value.
Having had success with Palmer, Chelsea are now said to be eyeing a deal for another Manchester City hotshot in Nico O’Reilly, who has racked up nine league appearances for City so far, now 20 years of age. According to Simon Phillips via The Chelsea Chronicle, the Blues have made an enquiry over O’Reilly to see if they can convince City to sell another one of their bright young talents.
O’Reilly made his impact in the cup, helping City reach the final, where they eventually lost to Crystal Palace. Pep Guardiola said during the cup run: “Against Plymouth, he scored two goals, today he got the first assist, so in the semi-final he is going to play.”
On O’Reilly’s style and recent adaption from midfield to full-back, he added: “When you play as a full-back and the game is quick, the transitions are quick, you cannot arrive. But if you move left right, right left, left right, a lot of passes, it gives you time to arrive there. He’s an attacking midfielder, he always is there. As an attacking midfielder, you will see him arrive (in the box). I’m pretty sure if he plays attacking midfield, every cross he is on the penalty spot.”
Speaking about playing at left-back, O’Reilly told the City website during the season: “I just remember one session I was put there because I think we had just one centre-back in training. Everyone was injured and we just needed players in training to go there. It must have been two days later in the Salford game where I went left-back and it just came from there. I trusted what the manager thought.”
The youngster added: “If I get something wrong in training positionally, Pep will stop it, go through it with me and let me know what I need to do. That has helped me a lot. Also speaking to the likes of Josko who has been playing there all season, he has helped me a lot because he has been next to me every game and always talking to me. I think the staff, Josko and Ruben have helped. Ruben is a big leader in the team and he leads the back line, so I am always listening to his information.
“I had to get used to the defending side as well because being in the back line was not something I was used to. As it has gone on, I have learnt a lot and still have got a lot to learn as well. I have enjoyed it and it’s good to have a bit of versatility. Obviously with my size and my physicality to get up and down the wing, it does suit me. I think the way we have been playing tactically has benefited me in that way, to get in those positions.”
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