Enzo Maresca has provided an update on Conor Gallagher’s future after it was reported that Chelsea are set to banish him from first-team training upon his return on Monday. The Blues are willing to cash in on the 24-year-old, who is not expected to be part of their plans this season.
Reports have claimed that Chelsea have reached an agreement with Atletico Madrid over a move after Gallagher turned down the offer of a new deal on Wednesday. As per Sky Sports, Gallagher rejected a two-year contract extension with the option of another 12 months to extend his stay in west London.
Now, the Blues have agreed a deal with Atletico – a fee of just under £34million – in an attempt to help resolve his future. While the formalities of any move are being thrashed out, The Sun claim Gallagher has been ‘banished’ from first-team training after holding talks with the hierarchy at Cobham.
Responding to that, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca said during the club’s pre-season tour of the United States: “At the moment, there is no update on that. The only thing I can say is he was in contact with the club to find a solution.”
Gallagher has been at Chelsea since 2008 and worked his way through the academy system before spending time out on loan at Charlton, Swansea, West Brom and Crystal Palace. He returned to the Blues at the start of the 2022/23 season and cemented his place as a regular first-team starter. In fact, Gallagher made 45 appearances during his maiden campaign in the senior set-up at Stamford Bridge.
Last season, Gallagher was a key figure in Mauricio Pochettino’s system as he started almost every Premier League match and captained the side on several occasions. He ended the season on seven goals in 50 matches, but his future seemed uncertain after the appointment of Maresca earlier this summer.
