Conor Gallagher: Wyness can’t believe ‘huge’ Chelsea blunder as deal agreed
Aston Villa’s former chief Keith Wyness has insisted Chelsea would be making a “huge mistake” if they allow Conor Gallagher to leave.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Villa Park between 2016 and 2018 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs –insisted the Midlands giants would be getting a “great deal” as they prepare to lose Douglas Luiz to Juventus.
Football Insider revealed on Sunday (16 June) that Chelsea are in advanced talks over a deal to sign Villa’s Jhon Duran having reached an agreement in principle with the Colombia international on personal terms.
And it has been widely reported that Gallagher, who has 12 months remaining on his contract at Stamford Bridge, could be involved in a swap deal with Duran.
Sources have told Football Insider (13 June) that the England international is still hoping to renew his contract at Chelsea despite long-running uncertainty over his future.
Chelsea should not swap Duran for Gallagher, says Wyness
Wyness insisted Gallagher is a “real talent” and insisted he would be happy to see the midfielder arrive at his former club.
He told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “I think it would be a huge mistake for Chelsea.
“It would be a great deal for Villa, bringing in an extra dimension in the midfield – particularly if Luiz goes to Juventus.
“The player swap situation with Duran and Gallagher makes ultimate sense, but if I was Chelsea I wouldn’t be letting him go.
“I think he’s a real talent.
“For Villa, I’d be happy to see him come into the squad – definitely.”
In other news, Chelsea will “pay over the odds” to sign top target.
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