Aston Villa is focusing on Conor Gallagher’s transfer amid rumors of a potential £50 million Chelsea trade.
In an effort to balance their books, the Blues may let go of one of their most productive players in the summer.
Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher could end up at Aston Villa by the end of the summer if the Blues are willing to let him go. (Image: Photo by David Horton – CameraSport via Getty Images)
Conor Gallagher, a midfielder for Chelsea, is reportedly appealing to Aston Villa this summer. If successful, this move could send one of their own players to Stamford Bridge.
The England international, whose current contract is set to expire next year, may play his final game for his boyhood club after failing to reach an agreement on a new one. He is scheduled to captain the Blues this weekend against Bournemouth.
The 23-year-old has been the subject of talks about a possible new contract for more than a year, but since no progress has been made, speculation about his leaving Stamford Bridge has intensified recently, with Aston Villa appearing to be at the center of it all.
After Spurs’ 2-0 loss to Manchester City in midweek, Unai Emery’s team defeated Tottenham to qualify for the Champions League, giving them more clout in the upcoming transfer window. When rumors of a possible move away surfaced last summer, Spurs were first in line for Gallagher’s services. However, it appears that Spurs has fallen behind if there is a race this summer.
The boards of Chelsea and Villa are said to get along well. As an added incentive, Villa may offer up Jhon Durán, a young striker who Chelsea previously targeted during the January transfer window earlier in the season.
After Nicolas Jackson’s recent performances, it’s unclear if Chelsea is still interested in Durán. However, it’s highly unlikely that they would consider a trade involving Gallagher because that would prevent the club from benefiting from Gallagher’s “pure profit” status as an academy product in line with the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSRs).
Gallagher’s outstanding performances under Mauricio Pochettino, who has previously emphasized the star’s importance to their success this season, are thought to have impressed the Stamford Bridge executives, who have valued him at around £50 million.
He asserted earlier in the season, ahead of the January transfer window: “He’s important because of Chelsea values.” He is an academy-produced product. He is obviously very dedicated to the club and loves it.
“He runs, plays, and fights, as you can see on the field. He makes every effort to succeed. Yes, I believe he is a very important player who always fits the team’s needs as well as the coaching staff’s. That is a matter between the player and the club. I don’t think I need to say too much because it’s obvious that it wasn’t my choice.”
As players like Romeo Lavia, Enzo Fernandez, and Christopher Nkunku return from injury and should be ready to go by the beginning of the next campaign, it’s getting more and more obvious that Gallagher’s spot in the starting lineup won’t be guaranteed and will be competitive. Even in their worst times, the Blues have been able to count on him, as the 23-year-old has had his most successful season to date, scoring seven goals and dishing out nine assists in all competitions.
Although Chelsea won’t want him to finish out his contract in order to become a free agent at the end of the following season, it might be in everyone’s best interests to reach a quick agreement.
