- Enzo Maresca has revealed what he wants to happen to Conor Gallagher
- The club has informed the midfielder that he is not part of the first-team plans
- Gallagher is open to staying, but wants to be rewarded with a long-term contract
Enzo Maresca has given his opinion on Conor Gallagher’s banishment and revealed what he wants for the midfielder.
Chelsea have cut Gallagher’s holiday short and informed him he will not be in the first-team dressing room when he returns on Monday.
Gallagher has been with the Blues since the age of eight and was club captain last season under Mauricio Pochettino.
The club have agreed a £33million deal with Atletico Madrid, but it seems unlikely that the deal will go through at this stage. Still, it is indicative of Chelsea’s stance amid its eagerness to stay.
Maresca, who claimed his first win as Chelsea manager on Thursday with a 3-0 victory over Mexican side Club America, responded diplomatically when asked about the 24-year-old.
Enzo Maresca has revealed his stance on Conor Gallagher’s Chelsea clash
Chelsea have made it clear that Gallagher is not in their plans and are trying to sell the midfielder
“There is no update on this at this time,” he said.
“All I can say is that he has been in contact with the club to find a solution. I don’t think it’s anything new.
‘In football, different clubs have problems with players every summer, and in the end they find a solution and everyone is happy. Hopefully the same can happen in this situation.’
Gallagher played in all but one of Chelsea’s Premier League games last season and was taken to Euro 2024 with England as a reward for his fine form during a turbulent period.
Chelsea offered Gallagher a new two-year contract with a one-year option after he agreed a £57.5million transfer fee from Aston Villa in June, a move Gallagher turned down.
Last week they offered the same deal after receiving the final bid from Atletico Madrid.
Gallagher has never made a secret of his desire to stay and play at Chelsea, but he wants a contract that reflects his value and where all parties are committed.
Kieran Dewsbury-Hall, who cost £30million, was offered a five-year contract, with an option for a one-year extension upon arrival.
Gallagher has been at the club since he was eight and is open to staying, but wants to be rewarded with a long-term contract.
For example, Kieran Dewsbury-Hall has a five-year contract with the option to extend
Chelsea fear that Gallagher will not fit into Maresca’s system and are therefore reluctant to give him a long-term contract.
Atletico Madrid are pushing for a resolution after reaching an agreement with Chelsea over their transfer fee, but Gallagher remains unconvinced that it is the right move for him.
Gallagher is a firm favourite with Stamford Bridge fans, but the club’s latest moves show they are pushing harder to sign him now and improve their PSR position due to his status as a home-grown player, rather than risk losing him for nothing next summer when his contract expires.