Chelsea

Chelsea have banished Conor Gallagher. (Image: Getty)

Chelsea have brutally banished Conor Gallagher from the first team as Enzo Maresca attempts to force through a transfer to Atletico Madrid, according to reports. The Cobham academy graduate has become the victim of dramatic measures to raise funds for further transfer activity, sparking uproar among fans.

Chelsea are thought to have accepted a bid worth £33million from Atletico Madrid for Gallagher, with Maresca deciding he doesn’t fit into his vision at Stamford Bridge.

But the 24-year-old midfielder hasn’t yet green-lit a switch to the La Liga giants and is holding out for improved terms after rejecting two new contract offers.

Gallagher reportedly wants to stay at Chelsea ahead of his current deal expiring next summer, but he wasn’t happy with being tabled just a two-year extension.

The Blues understandably want to avoid losing Gallagher on a free transfer at the end of the season and have now stepped up their efforts to offload him.

According to talkSPORT, Chelsea have informed the England international that he is no longer considered as part of the first team.

He has also learnt that he won’t be training with the group when they return from their pre-season tour of the United States.

Gallagher was spotted at Cobham on Friday and is expected to hold showdown talks with Chelsea, which should accelerate a resolution.

Chelsea have accepted a £33m bid from Atletico Madrid. (Image: Getty)

The report adds that there are concerns that handing Gallagher a long-term contract would be a financial mistake, considering he is set to be a squad player under Maresca.

The Italian coach wants to adopt a possession-based style of football in west London, fuelling his brutal stance on Chelsea’s No. 23.

But Gallagher appears determined to control his own future and will only accept a move to Atleti if the terms suit him.

He joined Chelsea as an eight-year-old, earned his senior debut in August 2022 and has since made 92 appearances, registering 10 goals and 10 assists.

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Gallagher was one of Chelsea’s top players last season and regularly captained Mauricio Pochettino’s side in Reece James’ absence.

He started 37 of the club’s 38 Premier League games, adding to his belief that he deserves a long-term contract at Stamford Bridge.

But the former Charlton, Swansea, West Brom and Crystal Palace loanee doesn’t feature in Maresca’s plans.

The new Chelsea boss will instead utilise Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall as his primary midfield options.