Romano drops BOMBSHELL Chelsea update as 'deal agreed'

Cameron Smith
Cameron Smith
  • 31 Jul 2025 13:30 BST
  • 4 min read
Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea
© IMAGO

Chelsea have officially failed in their pursuit of Manchester City wonderkid Nico O’Reilly.

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The 20-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge during the January transfer window and Chelsea continued to be touted as a potential destination for the Englishman during the early weeks of the summer.

Current ETV
Player image Nico O
Nico O'Reilly

M (C), D (L)

Man City logo

Man City

Nico O
Nico O'Reilly

M (C), D (L)

Man City

Man City

€27M

ETV Range

€24.3M - €29.7M

O’Reilly was identified as a top midfield target by the Chelsea hierarchy in January, despite the fact he has largely been deployed at left-back by Pep Guardiola, although the Blues eventually opted to sign Saint-Etienne youngster Mathis Amougou instead.

They have now missed out on the chance to land O’Reilly entirely as he has reached an agreement to sign a new long-term contract at Man City.

That is according to football transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano, who posted on X: “EXCLUSIVE: Manchester City and Nico O’Reilly have agreed on [a] new deal for 20 year old talent.

“Bayer Leverkusen had two bids rejected, #MCFC turned down approaches also from PL and decided to offer him a new contract. Verbal agreement done… and new shirt squad number.”

O’Reilly made 21 senior appearances for Man City last season, scoring five goals across all competitions, and he started six of their final nine Premier League matches at left-back.

Nico O'Reilly is set to sign a new contract at Man City
© IMAGO - Nico O'Reilly is set to sign a new contract at Man City

Chelsea miss out on Man City’s Nico O’Reilly

Although Chelsea won’t sign O’Reilly this summer, they are on the verge of landing Dutch duo Jorrel Hato and Xavi Simons amid advanced negotiations with both Ajax and RB Leipzig.

The pair are expected to join Enzo Maresca’s side for a combined price of €110 million and they will provide additional depth for the Club World Cup champions as they look to challenge for the Premier League title next season.

The Blues have already signed Jamie Gittens, Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, Estevao Willian, Draio Essugo, Mamadou Sarr and Kendry Paez so far this summer, while Noni Madueke and Joao Felix are the headline stars to have departed west London on permanent deals.

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