ATLETICO MADRID are in advanced talks over a move for Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher.
Gallagher is expected to return to Cobham for pre-season this week following Euro 2024 with his future uncertain and Enzo Maresca admitting “anything can happen”.
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He will not be joining Chelsea on their pre-season tour of the United States.
The midfielder has just a year left on his deal and has long been considered for sale as the Blues look to balance the books after huge spending under their American owners.
Chelsea initially valued the academy graduate, who captained the side for the majority of last season, at £50million – but may accept a lower fee to get a deal done.
Madrid, who are also interested in Spain international Mikel Merino, are unlikely to have the funds to hit the £50m valuation but are hopeful a move can happen.
Asked about Gallagher’s future, new boss Maresca said: “At the moment, Conor will be back with us when we are at Cobham.
“He is already at Cobham or he will be in the next few days to start to do something with Cole Palmer and Marc Cucurella.
“Then he will train with us.
“When the transfer window is open, unfortunately anything can happen. Not only for Conor, but for all of the players.”
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Maresca also raised doubt over the future of left-back Ben Chilwell.
The Italian admitted he is yet to find a position for the England international in his new system.
Maresca wants to play with an inverted left-back to allow Reece James and Malo Gusto, on the right, to get forward and create chances.
It is not a role best suited to Chilwell.
Maresca said: “His situation is a bit delicate in terms of we are trying to find a solution for him in terms of position.
“But he probably needs a bit of time. Delicate in terms of finding the right position for him.
“We want players that can perform 100 per cent and for sure in these two or three weeks, Malo and Reece can both do the work required of them and both finish with more assists or more dangerous in the way they were being used in the past.
“In that position they are good enough to make last passes because their quality, they are both very good.”
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Chelsea’s pre-season tour
Here is a look at Chelsea’s full tour of the USA:
RESULTS
- Chelsea 2 Wrexham 2 – July 24
- Chelsea 1 Celtic 4 – July 27
FIXTURES
- Chelsea vs Club America – July 31 – Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia
- Chelsea vs Manchester City – August 3 – Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio
- Chelsea vs Real Madrid – August 6 – Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
- Gotham FC vs Chelsea Women – August 19 – Red Bull Arena, Harrison, New Jersey
- Chelsea Women vs Arsenal Women – August 25 – Audi Field, Washington DC
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Meanwhile, Julian Alvarez has dropped a hint over his Manchester City future.
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