EXCLUSIVE: Chelsea open talks with RB Leipzig for Gallagher replacement

Steve Kay

Updated: 26 Mar 2024 15:55 GMT
3 min read

Chelsea have initiated discussions with RB Leipzig over a potential summer transfer for Dani Olmo, FootballTransfers can reveal.

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The Blues will look to move on Conor Gallagher and out-of-favour Raheem Sterling and consequently have set their sights on bringing in a suitable replacement, with the RB Leipzig attacker very much a target.

Indeed, sources close to the situation have indicated that 25-year-old Spain international has emerged as a primary target for Chelsea ahead of the transfer window and discussions are already underway.

Known for his agility and skill on the ball, Olmo's style of play suits Chelsea's attacking philosophy. He is effective in one-on-one situations, while he typically operates best down the middle. He is a versatile player, though, and has been known to be played out on the right and left as well.

We understand that Chelsea have already taken steps in their pursuit of Olmo and are in contact with RB Leipzig to speak about a potential fee.

The club’s head coach, Mauricio Pochettino, has identified the player as a key target for the upcoming transfer window, given the likelihood that Gallagher is moved on to balance the books.

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The Spaniard transferred from Dinamo Zagreb to RB Leipzig in 2020 and has been a key player for the German club since. Across 142 games for the side, he has notched up 28 goals and 33 assists.

Olmo started his career at Barcelona’s youth setup La Masia before heading to Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia in 2015. With Leipzig, he has clinched two DFB-Pokal trophies in 2022 and 2023 alongside the 2023 DFL-Supercup.

On the international stage, he helped Spain Under-21s win the 2019 European Championship.

FootballTransfers’ Estimated Transfer Value algorithm ranks Olmo at €29.2milllion - while he is contracted to Leipzig until June 2027.