Exclusive: Chelsea plan to replace Conor Gallagher with £58m man
Chelsea are highly unlikely to dip into the transfer market to replace Conor Gallagher, sources have told Football Insider.
The midfielder, 24, is closing in on a move to Atletico Madrid after being forced out at Stamford Bridge.
Football Insider revealed last week (29 July) that Atleti are growing in confidence in their bid to beat Aston Villa and Tottenham to Gallagher.
They are now close to a full agreement for the midfield star, who captained Chelsea last season.
But despite his crucial role for Mauricio Pochettino's side last term, Blues chiefs are not planning to replace him in the market before the 30 August deadline.
Sources say the midfield area is well-stocked even without Gallagher and is not a priority for the remainder of the window.
£58m star Lavia and Dewsbury-Hall key candidates to step into Gallagher role at Chelsea
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has already arrived at the club from Leicester over the off-season, following new manager Enzo Maresca to Stamford Bridge.
Romeo Lavia, who joined Chelsea for a reported £58million last summer, has starred in pre-season after missing most of last term through injury.
Gallagher had less than 12 months remaining on his contract and club chiefs wanted to make sure he was not able to leave the club for free in 2025.
He started 37 of a possible 38 Premier League games in the 2023-24 campaign and made 50 appearances in total, notching seven goals and nine assists.
Chelsea's Maresca era starts in earnest against Man City at home on 18 August.
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