DONE DEAL: Chelsea has signed their eighth summer player, a ‘world class’ talent. A 5-year contract is agreed, a jersey number assigned, and the player will arrive in west London for medicals within 48 hours.
Chelsea is resolute in not selling midfielder Conor Gallagher cheaply, despite interest from Tottenham Hotspur and Atletico Madrid. Spanish sources indicate Atletico Madrid is increasingly confident about striking a deal for the English midfielder.
Tottenham has shown long-standing interest in Gallagher, who captained Chelsea several times last season due to injuries to regular captains Reece James and Ben Chilwell. While Atletico Madrid admires Gallagher, they have struggled to meet Chelsea’s £50 million asking price. Chelsea stands firm on this valuation before considering parting with their academy graduate.
Gallagher’s contract situation adds complexity to the transfer discussions. With only one year remaining on his current deal, he has leverage. He can choose to stay at Stamford Bridge for the final year of his contract if a satisfactory offer doesn’t materialize, allowing him to leave for free next summer and choose his next destination freely.
Reports suggest Atletico Madrid considered a loan deal for Gallagher. However, with only 12 months left on his contract, a loan move isn’t financially viable for Chelsea, as they risk losing him without a transfer fee.
Chelsea’s approach to academy players like Gallagher has shifted. Having spent over £1 billion on new young talents, homegrown players are now viewed as sellable assets to balance the books and recoup some investment. This marks a change from previous years when academy graduates were more likely to be retained.
Gallagher, currently on an extended holiday after helping England reach the Euro 2024 final, was crucial for Chelsea last season. He missed only one league game as the team climbed from mid-table to finish sixth, securing a Europa Conference League spot for the upcoming season. As Chelsea evaluates their options, it remains to be seen whether Gallagher will stay with the club or seek a new challenge.