Chelsea retain transfer interest in Manchester City midfielder for summer market swoop | OneFootball

Manchester City will remain on high alert for another attempt at a transfer from Premier League rivals over one of their most highly-rated midfield starlets.

Etihad Stadium officials were once again at the centre of transfer attention during the most recent window as they fielded interest from a number of clubs across the European scene aiming to take advantage of situations within the squad.

James McAtee was the most publicised name throughout the window as the young midfielder continued to attract attention from some of England and Europe’s most prominent clubs over loan deals and permanent transfers.

With the England youth international struggling to secure himself consistent starting opportunities in Pep Guardiola’s squad, there was a feeling that a move away from the club may be of interest to all involved.

However, with Manchester City standing firm on their belief that they wished to retain McAtee until the end of the season at least, proposals from the likes of Bayer Leverkusen, Mainz, and Borussia Dortmund were turned down.

Elsewhere, and a similar situation faced Nico O’Reilly – who came into the ongoing season with hope of nailing down a place in the defensive midfield role, particularly after an impressive pre-season and in light of Rodri’s long-term injury.

But having struggled to progress further into the plans of Pep Guardiola, rival clubs of Manchester City were hoping to take advantage of the situation, including Chelsea – who had a the idea of a permanent deal blocked due to their reluctance at accepting a buy-back clause.

Now, according to the information of MailSport’s Sami Mokbel, it is stressed that Manchester City’s Academy graduate O’Reilly remains very much on the transfer radar at Stamford Bridge ahead of the next summer transfer window.

It remains unknown how much Manchester City may have requested for O’Reilly in terms of a basic transfer fee at the midway point of the season, however there is a belief that a similar price tag commanded by Cole Palmer in 2023 may have been demanded.

A number of youth names did secure moves away from the club throughout the January window, including Jacob Wright and his loan to Norwich City for the remainder of the campaign and Juma Bah’s loan to RC Lens upon moving to the Etihad from Real Valladolid.