Amidst ongoing negotiations, Chelsea has reportedly accepted a bid valued at £33 million from Atlético Madrid for Conor Gallagher. This decision comes after the midfielder declined a contract extension offer from Chelsea, signaling his desire to explore opportunities elsewhere. With just a year remaining on his current contract, Chelsea is keen on avoiding losing Gallagher on a free transfer next summer, a scenario they recently experienced with key players like Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rüdiger.
Despite the bid acceptance, Gallagher is yet to finalize personal terms with Atlético Madrid. The 24-year-old midfielder is carefully weighing his options and will make a decision regarding his future in the coming days. Chelsea’s latest contract proposal to Gallagher included a two-year deal with the option for a third season, along with a substantial increase in salary. This development indicates the club’s eagerness to retain Gallagher, but the player seems determined to seek a new challenge.
In the midst of these negotiations, other clubs have shown interest in acquiring Gallagher’s services. The midfielder previously rejected a move to Aston Villa, and Tottenham Hotspur has been closely monitoring his situation for some time. This demonstrates the high regard in which Gallagher is held within the Premier League and the potential impact he could make at a new club.
In a twist of events, Atlético Madrid’s pursuit of Gallagher comes after a failed attempt to secure a deal for Girona striker Artem Dovbyk. The Spanish club had initially lined up Dovbyk as a replacement for Álvaro Morata, only for negotiations to collapse due to a sudden increase in financial demands from the player’s agent. As a result, Atlético turned their attention towards Villarreal and are currently engaged in discussions regarding a potential transfer for Alexander Sørloth.
Gallagher’s potential move to Atlético Madrid signifies a significant development in the summer transfer window. Chelsea’s acceptance of the bid, Gallagher’s impending decision, and the involvement of other clubs create a dynamic and intriguing narrative surrounding the midfielder’s future. As the negotiations progress, all parties involved will be closely monitoring the situation to see how it unfolds.