CONFIRMED: Chelsea to repeat Cole Palmer trick - Romano

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 2 Feb 2025 18:32 GMT
• 3 min read

Chelsea are reportedly working on a deal to sign Manchester City youngster Nico O’Reilly amid their pursuit of a new central midfielder.

O’Reilly has only made six senior appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side, but Chelsea are eyeing a late move for the 19-year-old as they continue scouting the best young talents in world football.

The Blues are looking to offload Carney Chukwuemeka before the end of Transfer Deadline Day and with Romeo Lavia currently sidelined through injury, they are hoping to bring a midfielder to the club.

READ MORE: Premier League January transfers 2025 - All the Done Deals

Enzo Maresca has ruled out the possibility of recalling Andrey Santos or Lesley Ugochukwu from their respective loan spells, and O’Reilly is now a legitimate transfer target, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The transfer expert posted on X: “Chelsea keep working on new midfielder with enquiry made to Man City for 2005 born midfielder Nico O’Reilly.

“City don’t want to lose future control on the player - not an easy deal. Follows enquiry made for Mathis Amougou reported last week, still on list.”

READ MORE: Chelsea fans in DREAMLAND as Romano confirms transfer talks

Chelsea target Cole Palmer repeat

Chelsea’s interest in O’Reilly follows their incredibly successful signing of Cole Palmer in 2023.

The England international was rated extremely highly during his time at Man City, but he was unable to establish himself as a key player under Pep Guardiola and Chelsea secured a €47 million deal in September 2023.

Since his arrival at Stamford Bridge, Palmer has become one of the best players in Europe and he is currently the 16th most valuable player in world football.

The 22-year-old has 39 goals and 21 assists in 70 appearances for Chelsea and his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) now stands at €89.4m.