Chelsea include surprise clause in Conor Gallagher's contract as he edges closer to Atletico Madrid move - Reports
Chelsea have reportedly included a clause to match selling rights in the deal that will see Conor Gallagher join Atletico Madrid. According to Matt Law of the Telegraph, this means the Blues can match any bid made for the player should Los Rojiblancos decide to sell him in the future.
This comes after Fabrizio Romano claimed that the 24-year-old had accepted the La Liga side's offer on personal terms. They had already reached an agreement with the Blues for a fee of around €40 million.
Gallagher was one of Chelsea's key players last season under Mauricio Pochettino. His energy off the ball was a useful attribute as he made 50 appearances, scoring seven times and setting up nine more. He also took up the captain's armband in Reece James' absence as the defender missed most of the year due to injury.
However, the arrival of Enzo Maresca as the side's new boss and the consequent expectation that the side will shift to a possession-based style means Gallagher finds himself out of favour. Coupled with the return of Romeo Lavia from a long-term injury and the signing of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, the academy graduate was expected to have his playing time reduced.
Chelsea summer signing opens up on possible loan move
Chelsea forward Marc Guiu admitted that he was unsure if he would stay at the club this season or be sent on loan. The Spaniard also opened up on the conversation he had with manager Enzo Maresca, saying (via The Daily Mail):
“I still don’t know if I will go on loan. I hope to stay, I’m working for it. He (Maresca) told me there was an amazing sporting project full of young talent, that he wanted me to be a part of it and that he had a lot of faith in me and my skills and capabilities."
"I think I'm ready. We work very hard every day both on and off the pitch, on the physical aspect and the practical. So I think I'm ready to be on the pitch. I'm just focused on the pre-season tour, doing my best and that's what I can say," he added.
The 18-year-old moved to Stamford Bridge from Barcelona after the London side triggered his £5 million release clause. He has looked impressive in the pre-season, starting all four of the side's games and scoring once.
However, with the likes of Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku already on the side along with Chelsea's interest in Victor Osimhen, it remains to be seen if Guiu will be given the opportunity to impress in the Premier League.