Chelsea face DISASTER as star tells Blues what they did not want to hear

Robin Bairner

1 Aug 2024 06:41 BST
4 min read

Enzo Maresca, Chelsea, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

Chelsea have been left sweating over the future of Conor Gallagher, with the England midfielder putting himself in position to leave Stamford Bridge as a free agent by knocked back the offer of a new contract.

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Gallagher has one year left on his deal with Chelsea, who are attempting to hedge their bets on the 24-year-old by taking part in transfer discussions with Atletico Madrid over a potential €40 million move.

Although the midfielder has been offered a three-year deal that would make him one of the club’s best-paid players, The Athletic reports, he has knocked back the offer.

Current ETV

Conor Gallagher

M, DM (C)

Chelsea

Conor Gallagher

M, DM (C)

Chelsea

ETV Range

€37.7M - €62.8M

This spells potential disaster for the Stamford Bridge men, who are seeking a pure profit sale from the academy product in order to boost their position with respect to the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

Gallagher’s stance is that he does not want to leave Chelsea at this juncture, and even if club-to-club negotiations with Atleti produce a positive outcome, there is no guarantee that the player would accept an offer.

The Blues, meanwhile, do not wish to sell him to a Premier League rival.

Aston Villa had what is described as a “strong interest” in the player but did not ultimately make an offer, while Fabrizio Romano says that Tottenham are currently the side with the greatest interest in the player.

“The biggest fan of Conor Gallagher is probably Ange Postecoglou,” the football transfer news reporter told his followers on YouTube on Thursday.

© IMAGO - Conor Gallagher on England duty

© IMAGO - Conor Gallagher played more matches than anyone else in 2023/24

Enzo Maresca on Conor Gallagher’s future

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, meanwhile, fuelled the possibility of Gallagher leaving the club when he spoke out on his situation from the US, where the first team is currently on tour.

“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.”