A recent report has unveiled that Chelsea engaged in discussions with Aston Villa regarding a potential transfer deal for midfielder Conor Gallagher.
Gallagher, whose contract has entered its final 12 months, is up for transfer this summer, as Chelsea aims to capitalize on the proceeds from selling academy products.
Although Tottenham Hotspur have long shown interest in Gallagher, Villa has taken the initiative in pursuing the 24-year-old, according to The Athletic.
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In their quest to fortify Unai Emery’s squad for their inaugural Champions League campaign next season, Villa has initiated talks with both Chelsea and Gallagher’s representatives. Emery himself is known to admire Gallagher’s talents.
Despite Gallagher’s expressed enthusiasm for Chelsea’s future under Enzo Maresca, the absence of progress toward a contract extension has prompted Blues officials to contemplate cashing in on the English midfielder.
Chelsea and Villa have forged a robust relationship, notably demonstrated by Chelsea’s signing of midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka in the summer of 2022. The £20 million deal for the 20-year-old was largely undisclosed until its official announcement, a rarity in modern football.
Even if negotiations regarding Gallagher yield no fruit, Chelsea might still find themselves conducting business with Villa once more this summer, as the Blues have their sights set on Colombian striker Jhon Duran. Chelsea’s interest in Duran dates back to January, and they continue to hold admiration for the 20-year-old, who tallied eight goals in 37 appearances last season, ten of which were as a starter.