Conor Gallagher has rejected a late contract offer from Chelsea with Atletico Madrid in advanced discussions over signing the midfielder.
Chelsea tried to give Gallagher, whose current deal expires next summer, a new two-year deal with the option for another 12 months. It included a pay rise that would have put him on wages comparable to the highest earners in the Chelsea midfield.
It was the club’s second attempt to convince him to stay at Stamford Bridge during the transfer window, with their previous approach in June also turned down.
An agreement between Atletico Madrid and Chelsea is close over the size of the transfer fee and The Athletic reported yesterday that personal terms between the player and the La Liga club are yet to be agreed.
Chelsea are determined to avoid any repeat of the Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen situation in 2022 when both players were able to leave as free agents after their contracts expired.
Aston Villa had a strong interest in buying the 24-year-old, who made the most appearances for Chelsea in 2023-24, last month but it did not progress any further.
As a homegrown player, Gallagher’s departure would generate pure profit, and they had hoped to command a £50million ($64.29m) fee for him.
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 on Tuesday in Atlanta ahead of Chelsea’s friendly against Club America, head coach Enzo 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.”
GO DEEPER
Why are Chelsea so open to selling Conor Gallagher?
(George Wood/Getty Images)
