Conor Gallagher to leave Chelsea? Every word Enzo Maresca said on the subject

Robin Bairner

3 Aug 2024 08:47 BST
4 min read

Enzo Maresca, Conor Gallagher, Chelsea — © IMAGO

Conor Gallagher’s Chelsea future is the hot talking point at Stamford Bridge right now and Blues boss Enzo Maresca has broken his silence on the subject.

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The England midfielder has knocked back the offer of a new contract with the Blues and appears to be barrelling towards a free transfer next summer, having been told that he will only be a bit-part player in Maresca’s plans.

There is, however, the possibility of a move to Atletico Madrid. Chelsea have accepted a bid from the Spanish club, yet it is unclear if Gallagher is open to taking that option.

Speaking on Friday in the US, Chelsea manager Maresca was grilled over the future of the 24-year-old.

Here is what he said in full.

Current ETV

Conor Gallagher

M, DM (C)

Chelsea

Conor Gallagher

M, DM (C)

Chelsea

ETV Range

€37.7M - €62.8M

What's happening with Gallagher?

“The only thing I can say is I know he is in contact with the club to find a solution. The club offered him a new contract. But this is the only news I received. Also because they know that when we are in competition or working, I like to be focused on what we have here. That is, in this moment, this game and then the Real Madrid game. For me as a manager, it is the most important thing. Just to focus on the most important thing that is the pitch.”

If he stays, will you let him train with the first team?

“At the moment, there is not any update on that. The only thing I can say is that he was in contact with the club to find a solution. I don’t think it’s something new. In football, every summer, different clubs have some problems with some players and then at the end, they find a solution and everyone is happy. Hopefully the same can happen in this situation.”

Can Gallagher play in your team?

“The squad we have, they are all players that if they are in the squad, I will do my best to try to use them and help them to understand the way we want to play. So at the moment, until the player is in the squad, I don't have any problem.”

Would you like him in your squad once the transfer window shuts?

“I would like to have all of them. If you ask the same question to the other manager, he will answer the same. It is the same problem as always. Until the transfer window isn’t open, anything can happen, to bring players or sell players. Unfortunately, until the last day, something can happen.”

Is it your decision if he stays or goes, or the club's?

“The main focus in this moment for the club, for Conor and for me is they are going to find a solution. This is the main target. Then in the moment they find a solution, I think everybody is happy. But until the solution is not there, it’s difficult to say the best solution. My focus is on today’s session, tomorrow's game and this is for me the most important thing.”