Gallagher pushed towards Chelsea exit by England star

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 22 Jul 2024 11:56 BST
• 3 min read

England defender Kieran Trippier has recommended Conor Gallagher to join Atletico Madrid this summer, according to reports in Spain.

Gallagher, 24, has just one year left on his current contract at Chelsea and although he could sign a new deal at Stamford Bridge, a summer exit is deemed likely.

Despite interest from multiple Premier League clubs, Atletico Madrid appear to be leading the race for Gallagher’s signature as they search for a Saul Niguez replacement.

READ MORE: Premier League summer transfers 2024 - All the Done Deals

The England international made 50 appearances for Chelsea last season, but he faces a significant fight for a starting place under Enzo Maresca following the arrival of Leicester City midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.

In addition, Romeo Lavia, Lesley Ugochukwu and Carney Chukwuemeka have recovered from their injury-hit seasons, meaning Gallagher could be sold this summer.

Atleti have seen a €20 million bid rejected by Chelsea, but they are set to return with an improved offer before the summer window closes.

READ MORE: Maresca handed boost as Chelsea flop reaches transfer agreement

In addition, Trippier has informed Gallagher to join the Spanish giants this summer, according to AS.

Kieran Trippier pushes Conor Gallagher to Spain?

The Newcastle United right-back spent two-and-a-half years at Atletico Madrid and he won the Spanish top flight title during his second campaign under Diego Simeone.

The 33-year-old made 86 appearances for Atleti, providing 11 assists, and he left the club for €14m in January 2022.

As per AS, Trippier told Gallagher to join the club while on England duty at the 2024 European Championship.

Gallagher is reportedly eager to sign for Atletico Madrid and the Spanish giants are currently working on a deal to purchase the 24-year-old, according to Fabrizio Romano.

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.”

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