CONOR GALLAGHER is set to join Atletico Madrid after turning down a new three-year contract at Chelsea on Wednesday.
The Spanish club have agreed a £33m deal with the Blues, with the Premier League club now backing Gallagher’s move to Madrid.
Gallagher, who joined Chelsea’s academy aged eight, also turned down a new contract in June with the club offering attractive terms.
With captain Reece James injured, the former Crystal Palace loanee wore the armband for most of last season.
The midfielder has long been considered for sale as the club sought to balance its books to comply with Premier League financial rules.
Chelsea accepted a record bid from Aston Villa in June – ahead of the Premier League’s financial deadline – but Gallagher turned down the offer amid interest from Spain.
London rivals Tottenham have expressed interest in the past, but Gallagher wants to play in the Champions League, while Chelsea would prefer to sell to a foreign club.
Atletico Madrid will likely have to sell players this summer in order to afford Gallagher’s deal – with the Blues admiring striker Samu Omorodion.
Personal terms have not been agreed with Real Madrid, but Gallagher is keen on a move and Chelsea are now supporting him in his efforts to leave the club.
Gallagher has just one year left on his contract at Stamford Bridge and the Blues have no interest in losing an academy graduate on a free transfer within a year.
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Having been in England until the end of Euro 2024, Gallagher would not be joining Chelsea on their pre-season tour of America.
Asked about his future earlier this week, manager Enzo Maresca said: “At the moment Conor will be back with us when we are at Cobham.
“He is already in Cobham or will be in the next few days to start doing something with Cole Palmer and Marc Cucurella.
“So he will train with us.
“When the transfer window is open, unfortunately anything can happen. Not just for Conor, but for all the players.”
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
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