Conor Gallagher has been informed that he will have a role as a squad player under Enzo Maresca’s possession-heavy tactics at Chelsea. Despite this, the midfielder is still considering agreeing on a new long-term contract with his childhood club. Gallagher declined a new three-year contract from Chelsea, which included two years plus an optional third year. This was the second extension offer he turned down, after rejecting one in June.
The salary offered to Gallagher is similar to what the top earners in Chelsea’s midfield receive and is comparable to other salary offers he has received. Chelsea has reached an agreement with Atletico Madrid on a £34m transfer deal, and Gallagher is intrigued by the possibility of moving to Spain, especially since his current contract with Chelsea expires next summer. At the moment, Gallagher is weighing all his options.
Gallagher had been offered a new contract in the autumn of 2022, which he rejected as he aimed to secure a regular starting position. He achieved that goal last season, starting in 37 Premier League matches and scoring five goals. He ranked second among Chelsea players in assists and chances created, while leading the club in winning possession.
Despite receiving a higher bid from Aston Villa this summer, Gallagher decided to decline the move and remain at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea prefers to sell him to a club outside the Premier League rather than to a domestic rival. Gallagher has been at Chelsea since he was young and has always expressed a preference for staying and signing a new long-term deal, but the terms offered have not been agreeable to him. He turned down a two-year deal with an optional third year this week. Chelsea has recently offered contracts to players for up to seven years.
As an England international and a favorite among Chelsea fans, Gallagher feels ready to play regularly at a top club. However, with the arrival of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in midfield, he faces a challenge to secure a spot in the team. While Chelsea valued Gallagher at £50m last summer and attracted interest from Tottenham and Newcastle, selling him would yield pure profit as an academy graduate.
Atletico Madrid has been eyeing Gallagher for some time and has now agreed on a £33.9m deal with Chelsea. However, the Spanish club is yet to reach an agreement with Gallagher himself. Tottenham is also monitoring the situation closely as they have a long-term interest in the midfielder. Spurs may have an opportunity to make a move depending on Gallagher’s decision.
The summer transfer window closes on August 30, providing Chelsea with a limited opportunity to secure a decent fee for Gallagher if he decides to leave. While Atletico Madrid and other clubs remain interested, Gallagher continues to contemplate his next move as he evaluates his options for the future.