Atletico Madrid are in advanced discussions with Chelsea over a deal for midfielder Conor Gallagher.
While a deal between the two clubs is close, there is no agreement between Atletico and Gallagher at this stage.
The England international has entered the final year of his contract and Chelsea are prepared to listen to offers for him to raise revenue, while there are also doubts about how he will fit into new head coach Enzo Maresca’s system.
The Athletic reported Aston Villa held preliminary talks with Chelsea about a move to sign the midfielder, while Tottenham also hold a long-term interest in him.
As a homegrown player, Gallagher’s departure would generate pure profit, and they had hoped to command a £50million fee for him.
Chelsea had also not ruled out offering a contract extension because they do not want to run the risk of him leaving as a free agent in 2025.
Gallagher enjoyed an impressive 2023-24 season, providing seven goals and nine assists in 50 appearances in all competitions.
Chelsea told Gallagher, alongside Cole Palmer and Marc Cucurella, that they do not have to join their pre-season tour of the United States and can begin training at Cobham in early August instead after their Euro 2024 involvements.
Speaking earlier on Tuesday in Atlanta ahead of Chelsea’s friendly against Club America, Maresca had suggested a move for Gallagher was possible.
“At the moment, Conor will be back with us when we are at Cobham,” he said. I think he is already at Cobham or he will be in the next few days to start to do something with Cole (Palmer) and Marc (Cucurella).
“Then he will train with us. When the transfer window is open, unfortunately anything can happen. Not only for Conor, but for all of the players.”
The Athletic reported earlier today Napoli are in ongoing discussions with Chelsea to sign Romelu Lukaku, while dialogue between the clubs continues about a deal for Victor Osimhen to head in the opposite direction.
Additional reporting: Liam Twomey
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Why are Chelsea so open to selling Conor Gallagher?
(Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
