Chelsea’s need to offload players before the summer transfer deadline could play straight into their rivals’ hands. There were a number of striking omissions from Enzo Maresca’s first Premier League matchday squad on Sunday as Manchester City won 2-0 at Stamford Bridge.
Conor Gallagher was not included in the 20-man list despite playing in all bar one of Chelsea’s league matches last season and regularly captaining the side. The 24-year-old was all set to join Atletico Madrid but a collapsed deal which would have seen Samu Omorodion head in the opposite direction has plunged Gallagher’s future into doubt.
Chelsea and Atletico are reportedly in talks over a move for Joao Felix, which could resurrect Gallagher’s switch to Spain. But if that fails to materialise, Tottenham may be the first to pounce.
Reports indicate that Ange Postecoglou is a long-standing admirer of Gallagher, and the Spurs manager ideally wants the England international to operate in his midfield behind new signing Dominic Solanke.
Another high-profile star who didn’t make the cut against City is Ben Chilwell. Fellow left-back Marc Cucurella looks set to be reborn in Maresca’s system, and with Renato Veiga providing back-up, Chilwell is at risk of being frozen out.
Maresca has openly admitted that it would be better for all parties if Chilwell is able to find a new club this summer. Manchester United are believed to have discussed the 27-year-old before snapping up Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich.
With Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia both having a torrid time due to injuries, it remains to be seen whether Chilwell’s availability proves too tempting an opportunity for United to pass up on.
Of the five substitutes who didn’t get on the pitch against City, Noni Madueke will have been the most perplexed. The 22-year-old winger enjoyed a strong finish to the last campaign and was one of Maresca’s most impressive performers during pre-season.
Newcastle United are said to be keeping tabs on Madueke’s situation, with Chelsea reportedly willing to listen to offers for the former PSV Eindhoven star. It could take £30m for Blues chiefs to green-light the youngster’s exit.
Aside from the trio in question, other notable absentees from Sunday’s squad included Raheem Sterling, Carney Chukwuemeka, Romelu Lukaku, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Trevoh Chalobah, who could all leave in the next two weeks.
