Champions League side hold positive talks to sign Conor Gallagher from Chelsea - Reports
Chelsea are working to address the situation with Conor Gallagher, and according to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, Atletico Madrid have now engaged in positive talks with the player. Gallagher, who featured for England during the Euros, is yet to return to training.
However, reports from The Sun last week indicated that Chelsea have taken drastic measures, including reportedly ‘banishing’ him from training, in an effort to facilitate the move.
New head coach Enzo Maresca has reportedly informed Gallagher that he will not play a key role under his management. With only one year remaining on his contract, Chelsea are also keen to sell, and Atletico Madrid are interested in acquiring him.
Fabrizio Romano provided an update on the situation via social media platform X, stating that Chelsea and Atletico Madrid are progressing with the deal, and all parties are confident of finalizing it for €40 million.
"Understand Atletico Madrid held positive talks with Conor Gallagher today! Chelsea and Atlético are working to get his green light, all parties confident but there are still some details to clarify. Chelsea would get €40m fee and they hope to get it done soon," Romano wrote.
Gallagher has been with Chelsea since 2008, but only made his debut for the club in 2022. He impressed during loan spells in the Championship with West Bromwich Albion and in the Premier League with Crystal Palace. In total, he has made 95 appearances for Chelsea over two seasons and has even served as the captain on several occasions.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca remains confident in his team despite defeat to Manchester City
There is a widespread belief that Chelsea have not handled transfers effectively, and their on-field performances have been underwhelming as well. Enzo Maresca’s side suffered a 2-4 defeat to Manchester City in their fourth pre-season game on Saturday (August 3), with several costly mistakes contributing to the loss.
Despite this, the Italian coach was quick to praise his team, noting that the squad is slowly adapting to his requirements, while also emphasizing that he needs time to achieve results.
"I have no doubts about the progress this team is making in this moment. Mistakes are part of the process. I have known City for many years and even in friendly games, they don’t concede possession to the opposition, don’t concede many chances and they have long [spells of] possession. Thinking about the first half, I don’t remember them making six or seven passes in a row, so that was good from us off the ball," Maresca said (via Chelsea website)
Next, Chelsea will face European champions Real Madrid on August 6 in North Carolina, before concluding their pre-season against Inter Milan at Stamford Bridge on August 11.