Chelsea are expected to revive their interest in Man City utility player Nico O’Reilly this summer, according to reports.
Writing on his Substack, journalist Simon Phillips claimed that the Blues are “very likely” to make a second approach for the 20-year-old, having lodged an initial enquiry last year.
O’Reilly is a regular starter for the Cityzens, having started 28 times in all competitions, but there could be plenty of changes at the club over the coming months.
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Manager Pep Guardiola is a big fan of the City academy graduate. Speaking back in September last year, he listed his many qualities:
“Nico O’Reilly… he’s a top, top player. He can play in three, four positions. His presence in set-pieces, one-v-one, with the ball he’s really good, arrives good in the final positions. He’s a player hopefully, for many years!”
Guardiola may not be in charge much longer
While there are no guarantees that the City manager will leave the Etihad at the end of the season, several respected sources have suggested that it is a strong possibility.
The club are seemingly preparing for that scenario, based on the fact that they have drawn up a list of names to replace Guardiola. If the Catalan departs, it remains to be seen whether O’Reilly would continue as a first-team regular.
Man City did tie down O’Reilly to a new deal
When speculation about a move to Chelsea first emerged in February 2025, the club sped up plans to hand the player a contract extension.
O’Reilly put pen to paper on a five-year deal back in September. That should have shielded him from any attempts to lure him away, but it appears Chelsea, who have former City academy scout Joe Shields on their staff, are determined to make another approach regardless.
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