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Chelsea have told Conor Gallagher he is not suited to Enzo Maresca’s possession-based style of play and will not start under the new manager, with the two sides set to hold talks on Friday to prevent the England international from going into exile.
Atletico Madrid have received a £34.1m bid for the 24-year-old and the La Liga side want a response from Gallagher before the end of the weekend. It is possible he could stay, although rumours circulated on Friday that he would be forced to train away from the first team if he did.
That has not been verified by the club while the team is still on tour in the United States, but it is known that Gallagher would play a supporting role in Maresca’s midfield if he decided to complete the final year of his contract at Stamford Bridge.
At a meeting at Cobham’s training ground on Friday, Gallagher told the club he was willing to accept a longer contract, comparable to those signed by several of his teammates. Gallagher’s holiday was cut short by Chelsea while negotiations over his future were held.
However, Chelsea’s best offer has been a two-year contract with the option of a third as they believe their long-term future lies elsewhere. Gallagher, who joined the club’s academy at the age of six, has twice turned down that deal, which was offered to him in June and July.
Chelsea in talks with Conor Gallagher to avoid exile
Gallagher, pictured here on a previous holiday with Áine Might Kennedy, had his most recent break cut short by membership.
Gallagher, who turned down the chance to join Aston Villa, may not fit into Maresca’s system (right)
Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid want Gallagher to decide his future this weekend
It is understood that the proposal remains on the table but Chelsea believe the time is right for their academy player to leave so he can get the game time he so desperately craves. He has been warned that if he agrees to stay and become a club player it could put his England career in jeopardy.
Chelsea flew to Columbus on Friday to continue their US tour while this complicated situation was unfolding in London. They face Manchester City on Saturday night, but like Cole Palmer and Marc Cucurella, Gallagher will not be present as they have been granted an extended break following their trips to the Euro 2024 final in which England lost to Spain.
Chelsea had already accepted two offers for Gallagher, first from Aston Villa and then from Atlético.
The Blues have offered Gallagher a new two-year contract with an optional year after Aston Villa accepted a £57.5m offer in June, which he rejected. Atletico are awaiting his decision.
Maresca’s other midfield options include Enzo Fernandez, Kiernan Dewsbury-Corridor, Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, all of whom are seen ahead of Gallagher in the pecking order.
That is despite Gallagher playing a key role last season under Mauricio Pochettino, wearing the captain’s armband in the absence of Reece James and starting 37 of his 38 Premier League games. He was perfect for Pochettino, winning the ball back more than any other Chelsea player, and fans unveiled a giant banner in his honour on the final day of the season. Before that, he enjoyed a successful loan spell at Crystal Palace as he worked his way into the England squad.
Todd Boehly and company are aware of the need to boost the PSR situation of the membership
However, Maresca has made no secret of his desire to introduce a philosophy centred around passing from back to front, and Chelsea do not believe he would suit that style.
Gallagher’s virtues could benefit Diego Simeone’s Atletico, while Tottenham and West Ham have already shown interest in him. Chelsea would prefer to sell him to a European club rather than a Premier League rival. Sources close to Gallagher said all options are open and despite Atletico’s deadline day, they do not want to rush into making the wrong decision.
Gallagher has never hidden his desire to stay and play for Chelsea, but he would like a contract that reflects his value and a commitment from all parties.
Tottenham have yet to enter the fray as they are focused on a striker, but are closely monitoring developments.
