Chelsea Transfer News Roundup: Blues not in Conor Gallagher renewal talks; club agree Messinho deal, and more - May 19, 2024
Chelsea secured a 2-1 win over Bournemouth at home on Sunday, May 19, in the Premier League. Moises Caicedo and Raheem Sterling got on the scoresheet to help their team finish sixth.
Meanwhile, the Blues are not in talks with midfielder Conor Gallagher regarding a new deal. Elsewhere, the London giants have reached an agreement to bring Palmeiras sensation Messinho to Stamford Bridge.
On that note, here's a look at the key Chelsea transfer stories as on May 19, 2024:
Chelsea not in Conor Gallagher renewal talks, says Fabrizio Romano
Chelsea are yet to enter talks with Conor Gallagher regarding a new deal, according to acclaimed transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
The English midfielder has been a first-team regular under Mauricio Pochettino this season, registering seven goals and nine assists in 50 games across competitions.
However, the 24-year-old's contract with the Blues expires in just over a year, adding to speculation regarding his future. Recent reports have suggested that the London giants are working on a swap deal with Aston Villa involving Gallagher and Jhon Duran.
However, in his column for Caught Offside, Romano refuted those claims.
“There have been fresh rumours about Conor Gallagher’s future, with some talk that he could be used in a swap deal with Aston Villa for Jhon Duran.
"My latest understanding is that there’s still no conversation between Chelsea and Gallagher over a new deal, so it’s up to the club to decide what they want to do,” wrote Romano.
He added:
“There’s interest from several clubs but I’m not hearing about anything being close or concrete now, the usual interest from many clubs, including Tottenham, is there, but there’s nothing new in terms of negotiations.”
Ange Postecoglou is reportedly a fan of the English midfielder and could try to bring him to Tottenham Hotspur this summer.
Blues agree Messinho deal
Chelsea have reached a verbal agreement to sign Estevao William this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The teenage attacking sensation has been dubbed Messinho due to his playing style, which is very similar to Lionel Messi. The Brazilian only recently broke into Palmeiras' senior team but has already caused a stir in the European circuit.
The Blues are among a host of clubs eager to sign the player, including Barcelona. However, it now appears that the Premier League side have won the race for Messinho.
Romano reports that Chelsea have submitted an offer of €40 million, with a further €25 million in add-ons, which has been accepted by the Brazilian side. The Blues already have agreed personal terms with the player. However, Messinho would only move to Stamford Bridge once he turns 18 next year.
Thiago Silva sends parting advice to teammates
Thiago Silva has warned his Chelsea teammates that they have to strive harder next season to live up to the standards of the club.
The Brazilian defender is set to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the campaign and will rejoin former club Fluminense. The 38-year-old will end his final season without silverware, with the team struggling to impress under Pochettino.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Silva stressed that the players must understand what it means to wear the Blues' shirt.
“Thiago knows what it means to wear a Chelsea shirt, you know. And if I have a message to send to the boys that are here today, I hope they understand that everything they did to get to Chelsea has to be worth it. Because the season we’re having is not worthy of Chelsea, it’s not. And I think they have to do more next year, they need to do more," said Silva.
The veteran defender also paid tribute to the fans, thanking them for their continued support.
“If you look at the games, the fans never left the team, never, we were in ninth place, eighth, right?, and the fans were always there. They booed us off a little at the end of the match, but they’re always there in the stands, always with 40,000, 45,000," said Silva.
He continued:
“If we were somewhere else, they could throw rocks at us , we know that happens in our country. So these boys need to be aware that Chelsea has to fight for the top positions.
"If we take a little of our ego and put it in favour of the team, I think it will work, if we don’t do that, the situation will hardly change unfortunately.”
Despite their initial struggles, Pochettino's team finished the season on a strong note, securing sixth place.