(Credit: Imago)

Chelsea in race to sign Man City star who Pep Guardiola loves

Transfer Correspondent AUTHORITY Former Sky Sports and ESPN FC correspondent who specialises in global recruitment, contract negotiations, and high-velocity transfer breaking news. FOCUS Exclusive reporting, domestic and international transfer markets, and elite-level insights. THE INSIGHT Pete utilises a Global Network of Industry Sources to deliver verified, first-to-market reporting. His “Deep-Lens” analysis connects the dots between boardroom strategy and pitch-level recruitment, providing a level of transfer clarity that goes beyond surface-level rumours.

Published on:

22 Sep 2025, 10:33 am

Chelsea have joined Leeds United and two other European giants in increasing their pursuit for talented Man City defender Nico O'Reilly.

The Blues squad underwent major change over the summer with key additions leaving and joining the team across the pitch.

Sources told Football Insider on 25 August that Bayern Munich opened talks with Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson.

The Senegalese eventually joined the German side on-loan with an obligation to buy after the arrivals of Liam Delap and Joao Pedro in the striker position.

However, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the west London side are monitoring the progress of O'Reilly at City.

Enzo Maresca is lacking resolute defensive options with Levi Colwill facing an extensive spell on the sidelines.

Chelsea defender Levi Colwill looking focused

(Credit: Getty Images)

Bayer Leverkusen and Lyon also watching Nico O'Reilly

Sources told Football Insider on 19 September that Man City want to keep O'Reilly despite interest from Leeds.

The 20-year-old is one of the rising stars at the Etihad and has become a firm favourite under Pep Guardiola.

The Spaniard has praised O'Reilly's "generosity" for his flexibility to play in multiple, and sometimes unfamiiar, positions across the pitch (CityXtra).

Speaking on the Inside Track podcast on the mounting suitors for the number 33, I explained: "Chelsea are big admirers of him, there's been talk of interest from abroad as well by Leverkusen, Lyon.

Nico O'Reilly looking focused in a blue Man City kit

(Credit: Imago)

"But for me, Nico O'Reilly probably will remain at Manchester City. I don't see City opening the door for him to leave."

Jorrel Hato progress could change Chelsea's approach to sign O'Reilly

Football Insider exclusively revealed in March that Liverpool had identified Jorrel Hato as a long-term successor for Virgil van Dijk.

Yet, it was the Blues who snatched the Dutchman from the Reds' grasp as another addition to bolster the backline.

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The 19-year-old has featured just twice in the Premier League and has thus far failed to impress which could see him quickly shipped out.

Todd Boehly and co. have not been afraid to part with youth prodigies to flip a profit and the former Ajax academy graduate could be the next man to leave Stamford Bridge.

This could lead to Chelsea upping their pursuit of O'Reilly who is capable of playing at both centre-back and left-back just like Hato.

Chelsea FC