- Chelsea has accepted a £33.7m offer for their academy product earlier this week.
- Gallagher’s current agreement at Stamford Bridge is due to expire at the conclusion of the upcoming season.
- The 24-year-old has served as captain on multiple occasions during the tenure of former manager Pochettino.
Conor Gallagher of Chelsea is set to travel to Madrid on Monday to secure a five-year contract with Atletico, following significant progress in discussions.
Atletico secured a £33.7million agreement with Chelsea last week and sought a resolution by today.
Chelsea advised Gallagher that moving on after 16 years at Stamford Bridge would be in his best interest, leading to accelerated discussions with the club on Sunday, culminating in an agreement early today.
Gallagher will fly to Madrid with his agent Paul Nicholls to finalize the deal, which is expected to be completed later today for the England international.
Tottenham has been monitoring the situation but did not formalize a competing offer.
Conor Gallagher is set to end his 16-year association with the Blues after agreeing terms with Atletico Madrid
Gallagher was informed that he would have a reduced role under new boss Enzo Maresca
Atletico fought off competition from several clubs including Tottenham for the 24-year-old. Pictured: manager Diego Simeone
Chelsea had previously proposed a two-year contract with an option for an additional year on two occasions to Gallagher after accepting a £57.5m offer from Aston Villa in June, and following Atletico’s recent bid.
The 24-year-old had expressed willingness to stay at Chelsea, where he served as captain last season under Mauricio Pochettino, but sought a longer-term contract akin to those offered to his teammates.
Tensions arose on Friday when he was informed upon returning from his break that he would not be included in the first team setup at Chelsea and could face a diminished role if he remained under Enzo Maresca.
Concerns have emerged about Gallagher’s fit within Maresca’s tactical framework as speculation regarding his permanent exit from the club intensifies.
Chelsea is reportedly considering Matt O’Riley from Celtic as a potential midfield replacement. O’Riley scored 18 goals in 37 appearances last season, helping his team secure the Scottish Premiership title.
Originally from London, O’Riley played for England at various youth levels before switching his allegiance to Denmark and making his senior debut in the past year.
