Gallagher to Atletico Madrid? Romano reveals the state of play

Cameron Smith

• 21 Jul 2024 20:45 BST
• 3 min read

Atletico Madrid are working on a deal to sign Conor Gallagher and are “hopeful” that Chelsea will sell the England international this summer.

Gallagher, 24, has been heavily linked with a Blues departure in recent months and Atleti are now leading the race for his signature.

Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa were previously interested in pursuing a move for Gallagher, but the former have now signed Archie Gray from Leeds United, while the latter have added Ross Barkley and Enzo Barrenechea.

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However, Atletico Madrid remain keen on purchasing the England midfielder this summer as they look to strengthen Diego Simeone’s first-team squad.

Saul Niguez has been loaned out to Sevilla and Gallagher is seen as the perfect replacement.

A move is not advanced, but Atleti are hoping to reach an agreement before the transfer window shuts, according to Fabrizio Romano.

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He told his Playback stream (as per CaughtOffside): “Atletico Madrid are working behind the scenes for Conor Gallagher, contacts on player side.

"Atletico Madrid feel Chelsea may be tempted in the next few weeks, maybe closer to the end of the market, to sell him to them.”

Conor Gallagher to leave Chelsea?

Gallagher enjoyed an impressive 2023-24 campaign, notching 16 goal contributions in all competitions, while he was the only player in Chelsea’s squad to rack up 50 appearances.

However, Mauricio Pochettino’s departure has fuelled further rumours of an exit and given Enzo Maresca’s preferred style of play, a summer move is deemed a distinct possibility.

In addition, Gallagher has just one year left on his current contract at Stamford Bridge and any money generated through a sale would go down as ‘pure profit’ due to the fact he came through the club’s academy system.

Chelsea have already signed Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall so far this summer, while Romeo Lavia, Carney Chukwuemeka and Lesley Ugochukwu are all fully fit after their injury troubles last year.

Gallagher currently has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €50.3 million, although Chelsea could reportedly demand as much as €60m in order to grant a sale.