Conor Gallagher open to Chelsea stay on one condition as midfielder arrives at Cobham amid Atletico Madrid interest
08/02/2024 05:48 AM
Conor Gallagher remains open to signing a new long-term deal at Chelsea to bring him in line with the club’s other midfielders, talkSPORT understands.
Gallagher was spotted at the club’s Cobham training ground this morning after the Blues accepted an offer worth £33million from Atletico Madrid.
The England international has turned down the offer of a new two-year deal as he does not feel the length of the contract reflects his position in the team having started 37 Premier League games last season.
Chelsea handed Moises Caicedo an eight-year deal when they signed him from Brighton for a British record £115m fee.
Meanwhile Romeo Lavia was given a seven-year deal when he joined from Southampton also last summer.
Gallagher has entered the final year of his contract at Stamford Bridge.
And Chelsea do not want to lose the 24-year-old on a free transfer in 2025 if they cannot agree on fresh terms to keep him in west London.
This has seen them accept Atletico’s offer for the ex-Crystal Palace loan star.
As it stands, Gallagher, who often deputised as Chelsea’s captain in Reece James’ absence last season, is yet to discuss personal terms with Diego Simeone‘s side.
talkSPORT previously reported that Gallagher will only make the move to the Wanda Metropolitano if the terms are right for him.
But he does not want to be forced out of his boyhood club against his will having been one of Chelsea’s most important and consistent players last term.
After four loan spells away from Chelsea at Charlton, Swansea, West Brom and Swansea, academy graduate Gallagher finally made his Blues debut in August 2022.
In the last two years, he has chipped in with ten goals and as many assists in 95 games in all competitions.
Incredibly, he has missed just four top-flight matches, with no Chelsea player featuring in more matches than Gallagher’s 50 last campaign.
Former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara believes it would be a huge mistake if Chelsea were to let him go.
Reacting to the news that Atletico’s transfer offer was accepted, the talkSPORT co-host said: “I think it's a disgrace. They’re letting him go.
“He’s a captain of the football club, works his tail off, loves the team.
"Everyone likes him and he gives everything on the football pitch. You’ll never see him go missing on the football pitch.
“What he lacks in quality, he makes up for in heart and desire.
"I think they’re making a mistake getting rid of players like that."
