CONOR GALLAGHER is set to join Atletico Madrid after turning down a new three-year deal at Chelsea on Wednesday.
The Spanish club have agreed a £33million deal with the Blues with the Premier League club now supporting Gallagher’s move to Madrid.
Gallagher, who joined Chelsea’s academy aged eight, also turned down a fresh deal in June, with the club offering attractive terms.
With captain Reece James injured, the former Crystal Palace loanee wore the armband for the majority of last season.
The midfielder has long been considered up for sale as the club looked to balance their books to meet Premier League financial rules.
Chelsea accepted a club record bid from Aston Villa in June – before the Premier League financial deadline – but Gallagher turned down the move amid interest from Spain.
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London rivals Tottenham have expressed interest in the past but Gallagher wants to play Champions League football, while Chelsea would rather sell to a club overseas.
Atletico Madrid are likely to have to sell players this summer in order to afford the Gallagher deal – with the Blues admiring striker Samu Omorodion.
Personal terms have not been agreed with Madrid but Gallagher is keen on the move and Chelsea are now supporting him in his efforts to leave the club.
Gallagher has just one year left on his deal at Stamford Bridge and the Blues have no interest in losing an academy graduate on a free transfer in a year’s time.
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The final deal offered by Chelsea was a two-year contract with a one-year option.
Having been with England until the end of Euro 2024, Gallagher was not going to join Chelsea on their pre-season tour of America.
Asked about his future earlier this week, boss Enzo Maresca said: “At the moment, Conor will be back with us when we are at Cobham.
“He is already at Cobham or he will be in the next few days to start to do something with Cole Palmer and Marc Cucurella.
“Then he will train with us.
“When the transfer window is open, unfortunately anything can happen. Not only for Conor, but for all of the players.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
