Chelsea await Conor Gallagher's decision after accepting Atletico Madrid's offer while the English star has already rejected Aston Villa
Chelsea are awaiting a decision from Conor Gallagher after accepting a £33million bid from Atletico Madrid, talkSPORT understands.
The Blues had It was originally quoted at £50 million for Gallagher, who has yet to negotiate personal terms with the Spanish side.
Tottenham We are still closely monitoring the situation as we have been interested in the England international since last year.
The 24-year-old has been in the Chelsea squad since he was eight and after four loan spells, he broke into the first team two years ago.
talkSPORT understands that Gallagher rejected a new two-year contract with the option for a further one at the start of June. The salary offered is believed to be comparable to that of Chelsea's top earners in midfield.
However, the England midfielder felt a two-year deal did not reflect his role in the clubs, especially considering the length of deals offered to new signings.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa are understood to have had a club-record bid for Gallagher accepted in June, however the player decided against making the move.
Atletico Madrid He showed interest earlier this summer but failed to meet Chelsea's asking price.
But a breakthrough came this week when the west London side slashed their valuation and accepted Atletico's offer of £33m, plus add-ons that could reach £37.9m.
That is £17m less than Chelsea had initially hoped for (and is understood to be less than Villa were offering), although the total fee could rise if add-ons are met.
Gallagher could also turn down the chance to move to Atletico, having yet to discuss personal terms.
But the player is understood to be interested in the project in Spain with Atleti capable of offering Champions League football and the chance to be coached by Diego Simeone.
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Reacting to the news, former Tottenham midfielder and talkSPORT presenter Jamie O'Hara said: “I think it's a disgrace. They're letting him go. He's the captain of the football club, he works so hard and he loves the team.
“Everyone loves him and he gives his all on the football pitch. You will never see him disappear on the football pitch. What he lacks in quality he makes up for with heart and desire.
“I think they are making a mistake by getting rid of players like that.”
ACADEMY STAR
The 24-year-old has been in the Chelsea squad since he was eight and after four loan spells, he broke into the first team two years ago.
He was awarded Academy Player of the Year in the 2018/19 season and gained Championship experience with Charlton and Swansea in the Championship and West Brom and Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
talkSPORT presenter Rory Jennings was furious that another academy product was being sold.
“This is another academy product, who already has a great relationship with the fans, being sacrificed so our faceless sporting directors can play this ridiculous game of Championship Manager.
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Yes, he divides the fanbase to a certain extent, but certainly for the fans going to the match, Conor Gallagher would have felt nothing but love at Stamford Bridge.
“His banner comes out all the time, he was captain of the club, there is only love for him there.
“There is a debate about how good a footballer he is. I think he is a very good player. I think there is always room for a Conor Gallagher in our team.”
“Let’s also remember, and I don’t want this to sound disrespectful to Kieran Dewsbury-Hall, but Conor Gallagher played for England, he was a Euro finalist with England. We’re replacing him with Kieran Dewsbury Hall, he’s a Championship player. So Chelsea have gone down a peg.”
CAPTAIN
Gallagher was named de facto captain of the club last season with first and second choices. Reece James and Ben Chilwell missed virtually all of last season through injury.
He played in all but one Premier League game last season for Mauricio Pochettino.
Fans even unfurled a huge Gallagher banner at Stamford Bridge last season, such is their opinion of him.
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After captaining the team, he said: “It means a lot, it's a very proud moment. I had a very proud family back home so I'm glad it was a win and a good performance. I'm very grateful and proud.”
“Being here since I was seven or eight years old when I started at the Academy, living 10 minutes from the road, is a dream right now.”
INTERNATIONAL ENGLAND
Gallagher made his England debut in 2021 and has played 18 times for his country.
Most of those have come in the past 18 months, where he was a key member of the Euro 2024 squad that reached the final.
He started against Slovenia as Gareth Southgate tinkered with his side, but ultimately lost his place to Kobbie Mainoo.
Gallagher played five times, often coming on to shore up the midfield in the closing stages.
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FANS ARE OUTRAGED
Gallagher may divide opinion among some fans, but supporters who called into talkSPORT on Wednesday night were furious at the decision to sell him.
One of them said: “I am absolutely furious. I honestly don’t even recognise the club anymore, what they are doing. They are literally tearing us apart.”
“They are selling everything they can and spending billions on these players of the future, when we don’t have a shred of experience. He is our captain.”
Another said: “Just kidding, mate. You know what? The whole Chelsea academy is underrated.”
“They should take advantage of this loophole that local players are 100% profitable, because clubs are already taking advantage of it anyway.”
