Chelsea star rejects new contract as Champions League side make offer to sign him this summer - Reports
Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher is seemingly looking to move on from the Blues this summer and has reportedly rejected a new three-year contract offer. This is as per reputed journalist David Ornstein, who claims that the player was offered wages similar to the highest earners at the club.
Moreover, Ornstein believes Chelsea have agreed to a €40 million deal with Atletico Madrid, and it is now up to the player to decide on the move. For Enzo Maresca and company, the situation seems simple; either extend Gallagher's deal or sell him, given the England international has one year left on his deal.
Losing the 24-year-old would seem like a huge blow to the Blues as Gallagher played a crucial role for the club last season. He was one of the standout performers for Chelsea, along with Cole Palmer, as the rest of the side struggled to get up to speed.
Last season, the Englishman made 50 appearances across competitions, bagging seven goals and nine assists. However, he will have to compete for a starting spot in midfield this campaign from the likes of Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, and Romeo Lavia.
Further, the aforementioned Spanish outfit finished fourth in the La Liga standings last year, which means they have UEFA Champions League football to offer. Unfortunately, the same isn't available at Stamford Bridge after the Blues had to settle for a sixth-place Premier League finish at the end of the campaign.
Enzo Maresca responds to rumors regarding Conor Gallagher's potential Chelsea exit
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca addressed rumors suggesting that their midfield star Conor Gallagher could be headed for the exit doors at Stamford Bridge this summer.
Apart from Atletico Madrid, reports have claimed that Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa are also eyeing a move for the former Crystal Palace man.
Speaking to reporters about this, Maresca said earlier in the week (via GOAL):
"Conor will be back with us at Cobham. He will be there in the next few days. When the window is open, anything can happen, not only for Conor."
The former Leicester City boss has also seemingly left the door open for Gallagher's exit this summer. To date, the player has made 95 appearances across competitions for Chelsea, bagging 10 goals and assists each.