Atletico Madrid want to finalise the transfer of Conor Gallagher by Monday, having already agreed a €40 million fee with Chelsea. The midfielder is yet to agree terms with the Rojiblancos for a move, which is holding the transfer up.
The Chelsea academy graduate has reportedly been offered a 2+1 year contract with a salary that would allow him to become one of the best paid players in the squad. However, there are concerns that he might not fit into Enzo Maresca’s plans, which are prompting his sale.
Conor Gallagher transfer saga yet to be resolved with extension on the table
🔵🏴 Atlético Madrid want final answer by end of the weekend or Gallagher deal can collapse.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 2, 2024
Chelsea will hold talks with Conor aimed at resolving his future today.
Chelsea’s 2+1 new deal proposal, still on the table.#CFC want to avoid new Rüdiger case with free transfer. pic.twitter.com/uYHf6WD5rq
Chelsea have tried hard to sell Gallagher over the past year or so. Earlier this summer, they accepted a club record bid from Aston Villa for the player. However, Conor Gallagher did not want to make the switch, and the transfer eventually fell through.
The 24-year-old’s contract runs out in 2025, which is why Chelsea are keen on selling him to avoid a free transfer. However, the two-year contract extension would put the club in the same situation in the future, where they would have to sell him to avoid a free transfer if things don’t work out.
It’ll be interesting to see if Chelsea indeed force another academy graduate out of the club, like they did with Mason Mount, Fikayo Tomori and more. While it does represent pure profit, the club also risks losing its connection with fans over their recent treatment of academy players including Trevoh Chalobah, who is facing a similar situation after being exiled again.
How many games has Gallagher played for Chelsea?
95 games across all competitions
