Chelsea are set to hold discussions with midfielder Conor Gallagher to clarify his future at the club, according to Sky Sports’ Kaveh Solhekol.
The 24-year-old has been the subject of ongoing speculation, with several clubs expressing interest in his services.
Gallagher was seen at Chelsea’s Cobham training ground on Friday morning after the club accepted a £33 million offer from Atletico Madrid.
The England international has rejected the offer of a new two-year deal, feeling that the contract length does not reflect his importance to the team, given that he started 37 Premier League games last season.
In contrast, Chelsea had handed Moises Caicedo an eight-year contract when they signed him from Brighton for a British record fee of £115 million.
Similarly, Romeo Lavia was given a seven-year deal upon his arrival from Southampton last summer.
It is believed that Chelsea do not expect Conor Gallagher to be a regular first-team starter under new manager Enzo Maresca, given Maresca’s possession-based style of football.
Gallagher, who is in the final year of his contract at Stamford Bridge, has been excluded from first-team training as the Blue look to avoid losing him on a free transfer in 2025 if new terms cannot be agreed.
This marks the third time Gallagher has rejected a contract offer, having previously turned down deals in the autumn of 2022 and again in June 2024.
Consequently, Chelsea have accepted Atletico Madrid’s offer for the former Crystal Palace loanee.
As of now, Gallagher, who often served as Chelsea’s captain in Reece James’ absence last season, has yet to negotiate personal terms with Diego Simeone’s side.
Reports suggest that Gallagher will only move to the Wanda Metropolitano if the terms are favourable to him.
Gallagher is reluctant to leave his boyhood club against his will, especially after being one of Chelsea’s most crucial and consistent players last season.
After spending time on loan at Charlton, Swansea, West Brom, and another stint at Swansea, Gallagher made his Chelsea debut in August 2022.
Over the past two years, he has contributed 10 goals and 10 assists in 95 games across all competitions.
Remarkably, Gallagher missed only four Premier League matches last season, with no Chelsea player featuring in more games than his 50 appearances.
Chelsea will hold talks with Conor Gallagher today aimed at resolving his future. They don’t want bad blood, They recognise he’s academy graduate but he’s turned down 3 contract offers and they need to understand what he wants to do. Their contract offer has not been withdrawn.…
— Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) August 2, 2024
Read more: Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag provides Tyrell Malacia injury update
Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe joins Fulham for club record fee
Tyler Morton on Arne Slot: “If you don’t love the style he plays, you shouldn’t be a footballer”
