Chelsea are set for sit-down talks with Conor Gallagher after reportedly trying to ‘force’ the player out of the club in the summer transfer window.
The midfielder has been heavily linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge this year, with Aston Villa, Spurs and West Ham United all registering an interest over the past year.
It was Atletico Madrid, however, who have had a bid accepted by the Blues, offering up £33 million for the player.
Reports emerged on Friday that Chelsea want Gallagher to accept the deal by Monday, a deadline which was set by the Spanish club, or face being excluded from the squad ahead of next season.
Read – Conor Gallagher not interested in joining Premier League rivals
The west London outfit want the 24-year-old to either accept the move to Madrid, or sign a new deal with the club.
Chelsea have reportedly offered twice offered a new contract to the player which would see his current deal extended by two years with the option for a third year.
There is an eagerness on the part of the club to sort Gallagher’s future one way or the other this summer, as his contract expires in 2025. Otherwise he could leave on a free transfer next summer.
In order to avoid that scenario, Chelsea are engaging in a ‘new round of talks’ with Gallagher and his representatives, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Enzo Maresca commented on the situation this week, telling reporters: “The main focus in this moment for the club, for Conor and for me is to find a solution.
“The moment they find a solution, I think everyone will be happy. The club offered him a new contract. I am focused on here.
“I would keep all the players if I could, and any player in the squad I’ll do my best to use them. The club are talking about a solution [for Gallagher] and I am working on the game with Manchester City.”
Read – Five of the best Chelsea kits of the Premier League era
Read More – Every Premier League kit released so far ahead of 2024/25
See Also – Six players who could return to the Premier League this summer
