Chelsea have informed academy graduate that he will only be a squad player if he stays at the club - Reports
According to journalist Nizaar Kinsella (via CFCPys) on X, Chelsea have told Conor Gallagher that he will only be a squad player if he decides to stay at Stamford Bridge. This recent report arises amid the continuing contract renewal tensions between the player and the west London club.
Gallagher has been heavily linked with a move to Atletico Madrid in recent weeks. It is reported that the club has reached a deal with the Spanish club for the England international. However, the 24-year-old, who has one year left on his contract, is eager to stay put with his boyhood club.
The Blues offered him a two-year deal which he turned down, wanting a long-term contract instead. According to the report, the club does not see Gallagher as a regular under new coach Enzo Maresca. Therefore, they want to sell him to Atletico Madrid as offering a long-term deal would be a wrong financial move.
They have now informed him that he will not be an integral part of the first team in the upcoming season if he remains at the club. Kinsella also reported that the club will hold talks with Gallagher to iron out the player's future.
Gallagher joined Chelsea at the age of eight, progressing through the club's Cobham academy. However, he made his senior debut for the Blues in August 2022 after loan spells at Charlton, Swansea, West Brom, and Crystal Palace.
How did Conor Gallagher perform at Chelsea in the 2023-24 season?
The 2023-24 season was a disappointing campaign for Chelsea. They struggled for most parts of the season, only managing to steal a top-six finish towards the tail-end of the term.
In a season where most of the players performed below par, Conor Gallagher stood out as one of the better performers for the Blues. He delivered multiple brilliant performances in midfield and led the team as captain in the absence of Reece James.
The Engish midfielder featured in all but one league game (due to a red card suspension) for Chelsea last term. In 50 games across competitions, he scored seven goals and provide nine assists.