Atletico Madrid maintain their interest in Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, but are hesitant about the high asking price set by the Blues, according to 90min.
Gallagher, now in the final year of his contract, has been put up for sale by Chelsea, who are seeking a deal similar to the £55 million transfer that saw Mason Mount move to Manchester United under comparable circumstances last summer.
This hefty price tag has posed challenges for potential buyers, including Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur. Sources indicate that Atletico Madrid, too, are reluctant to meet such a high fee for a player who could become available for free in a year’s time. Earlier in the transfer window, Atletico made a verbal offer of £20 million plus bonuses for Gallagher, which Chelsea promptly rejected.
Since then, there has been minimal progress in negotiations, although Atletico have expressed willingness to reconsider if Chelsea lowers their demands.
Atletico Madrid’s position might change if Saul Niguez completes a proposed move to Sevilla, which would create a vacancy for a new midfielder.
Meanwhile, Chelsea and Atletico are actively engaged in talks, primarily focusing on 20-year-old striker Samu Omorodion, whom Chelsea have identified as a potential target earlier this summer. A new contract for Samu, featuring a €120 million release clause, has been prepared.
However, Samu’s situation is complicated by his recent change of representation. His new agent, his mother, may not agree to the previously negotiated terms, which Chelsea sees as a potential opportunity to secure the striker. Despite this, Atletico remain confident in retaining Samu and finalizing his contract extension.
Regarding Gallagher, he is set to have discussions with Chelsea’s new manager, Enzo Maresca, following the conclusion of the European Championships to clarify his future role within the team. During Gallagher’s time away with the England squad, Chelsea have strengthened their midfield by signing Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from Leicester City for £30 million.
With the Premier League’s PSR deadline of June 30 now past, Chelsea are under no immediate pressure to accept a lower offer for Gallagher. The club is reportedly confident in their compliance with financial regulations.
Chelsea is now awaiting any potential actions from Tottenham Hotspur, who have shown long-standing interest in Gallagher. However, they value him at between £35 million and £40 million.
Aston Villa, on the other hand, are looking to reinforce their midfield after Douglas Luiz’s departure but currently lack the funds to meet Chelsea’s demands. This could change if Villa manage to sell Jhon Duran, valued at £40 million and admired by West Ham United, which might provide the necessary capital to pursue Gallagher.
Should no satisfactory bids for Gallagher materialize, he may remain with Chelsea, where the club might then attempt to extend his contract. Gallagher’s future remains uncertain, hinging on Chelsea’s transfer strategy and the readiness of other clubs to meet their financial expectations.
