As The Pitch Prospect has learned, Conor Gallagher remains willing to sign a new long-term contract at Chelsea to put him on a par with the club’s other midfielders.
Gallagher was spotted at the club’s training ground in Cobham this morning after the Blues accepted a £33million offer from Atletico Madrid.
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The England international has rejected the offer of a new two-year contract as he feels the contract term does not match his position in the team after starting 37 Premier League games last season.
Chelsea signed Moises Caicedo on an eight-year deal when they signed him from Brighton for a British record fee of £115 million.
Meanwhile, Romeo Lavia received a seven-year contract when he joined from Southampton last summer.
Gallagher has entered the final year of his contract at Stamford Bridge.
And Chelsea do not want to lose the 24-year-old on a free transfer in 2025 if they cannot agree new terms to keep him in west London.
This has led to them accepting Atletico’s offer for the former Crystal Palace loan star.
Currently, Gallagher, who often stood in as Chelsea captain in Reece James’ absence last season, has not yet discussed personal terms with Diego Simeone’s team.
The Pitch Prospect had previously reported that Gallagher would only move to the Wanda Metropolitano if the conditions were right for him.
However, he does not want to be forced out of his childhood club against his will, as he was one of Chelsea’s most important and consistent players last season.
After four loan spells from Chelsea to Charlton, Swansea, West Brom and Swansea, academy graduate Gallagher finally made his debut for the Blues in August 2022.
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Over the last two years, he has scored ten goals and provided as many assists in 95 games in all competitions.
It’s hard to believe, but he only missed four top-flight games. No other Chelsea player played more games last season than Gallagher did in his 50th season.
Former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara believes it would be a big mistake if Chelsea let him go.
Reacting to the news that Atletico’s transfer offer had been accepted, the The Pitch Prospect co-host said: “I think it’s a disgrace. They’re letting him go.”
“He is captain of the football club, works hard and loves the team.
“Everyone likes him and he gives his all on the football pitch. You never see him missing from the football pitch.
“What he lacks in quality he makes up for with heart and enthusiasm.
“I think they are making a mistake by getting rid of players like that.”