In the meeting on August 2 (local time), Conor Gallagher was informed that he would not be allowed to train with his teammates upon returning to Cobham. Previously, the 24-year-old player, who has been with The Blues since he was 8 years old, had rejected a new 3-year contract.
Gallagher wants to stay at Stamford Bridge but is not satisfied with being offered a short-term contract. Meanwhile, many other Chelsea players have clauses extending to 7 years, even 8 years.
Additionally, Chelsea's new coach Enzo Maresca believes that the English international will struggle to compete for a starting spot due to not fitting the control style. These factors have led The Blues to want to sell this academy-grown star.
The Blues had accepted a £57 million offer from Aston Villa in June, but the English midfielder refused to leave. Chelsea has now agreed to another deal worth £33 million with Atletico Madrid for Gallagher. And the Spanish club has given Gallagher until the end of this week to decide whether to leave or not.
If the 24-year-old midfielder joins La Liga, Chelsea will lose one of their standout players from last season. At many points, Gallagher was even trusted to wear the captain's armband.
Statistics show that the English midfielder played a more important role at Chelsea compared to Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo. These are all expensive new signings for The Blues but have not lived up to expectations.
Gallagher also scored more goals and provided more assists than the two aforementioned players. Comparing the number of tackles per 90 minutes, the English midfielder also stands out. Additionally, Gallagher has more interceptions and creates more chances compared to his midfield teammates at Chelsea.
Therefore, Chelsea fans have reasons to be unhappy with the club's treatment of Gallagher.
"Whether you rate Gallagher or not, the reports of him being exiled are very shameful. Our academy products need to be treated with more respect," The Sun quoted a Chelsea fan's opinion.
"It's crazy, this club is a joke," another Blues supporter expressed their feelings.
