Aston Villa ‘hold preliminary talks’ with Chelsea over move to sign Conor Gallagher… with Blues ‘prepared to ask for fee in excess of £50m’

Aston Villa have reportedly opened talks with Chelsea over a potential deal for midfielder Conor Gallagher.

The England international is attracting interest as he enters the final year of his contract at Stamford Bridge.

It has been reported by the Athletic, that Villa could look to take advantage of this, as they prepare for Champions League football next season. 

The two clubs have held preliminary talks, with Villa manager Unai Emery a ‘huge admirer’ of the 24-year-old. 

Chelsea narrowly remained compliant of profit and sustainability rules in their most recent accounts published in April, so it’s likely that some players could leave, after spending over £1bn on players since Todd Boehly took ownership. 

Aston Villa have reportedly held preliminary talks over signing Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery (right) is a ‘huge admirer’ of the Chelsea and England star (left)

One hiccup could be that Chelsea are prepared to ask for a fee in excess of £50m for their midfielder, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. 

It’s said the Blues see Gallagher in a similar position to Mount, who joined Manchester United last summer for £55m when he too had a year left on his deal. 

Villa could also face competition from Tottenham, who have also been linked with a move. 

Gallagher played 50 games for Chelsea during the 2023-24 season, scoring seven goals and providing nine assists. 

He was a regular starter in the team, and he is expected to make Gareth Southgate’s final cut for his 26-man squad at this summer’s European Championship. 

Despite doubts over his future, Gallagher this week told Sky Sports that he is excited about the prospect of working with new Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca.

He said: ‘I’ve heard really good things and I’ve seen really good things.

‘Myself and everyone at Chelsea are really happy and excited to work with him.’

Villa are looking to improve as they prepare for Champions League football next season

Chelsea meanwhile hold interest in 20-year-old Aston Villa forward Jhon Duran

The Athletic also claim that Chelsea have a strong interest in signing Villa striker Jhon Duran.

The 20-year-old Colombian international was considered by Chelsea in January, and the Blues are among clubs across Europe and Saudi Arabia who could look to make a move this summer. 

Duran made 37 appearances for Villa across all competitions, however, he made just three Premier League starts with the majority of his outings coming as brief cameos off the bench. 

He scored eight goals, including a memorable brace in the thrilling 3-3 draw with Liverpool towards the end of the season.