Tottenham and Aston Villa Face Setback in Pursuit of Chelsea Midfielder

Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa have encountered difficulties in their attempts to sign Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher.

The 24-year-old had an outstanding season, captaining Chelsea in most of their fixtures and starting all but one of their 38 Premier League matches. His performances secured his place in the England squad for Euro 2024.

Despite his achievements, Gallagher’s future at Chelsea is uncertain. The club’s co-owners, Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, reportedly wish to sell the academy graduate, who has just one year remaining on his contract. Gallagher is valued at around £50 million, though it is unclear if this price is realistic. To complete a sale before the accounting deadline on June 30, Chelsea may need to consider a compromise, but an exit is not guaranteed.

According to The Guardian, Gallagher is determined not to leave Chelsea for a club he does not wish to join. He is expected to have specific conditions met before considering a new challenge for the 2024-25 season. While both Spurs and Villa can offer him European football—Spurs in the Europa League and Villa in the Champions League—Gallagher is in no rush to leave the club he has been with since he was eight. He prefers to move to a team that aligns with his ambitions and has indicated a preference to stay in London.

Gallagher’s desire to remain at Chelsea has always been a possibility, especially under former head coach Mauricio Pochettino. With new head coach Enzo Maresca, central midfield is not a priority in the transfer market. However, Gallagher’s style of play, which favors high-intensity, high-press tactics, may not align with Maresca’s possession-based approach.

Additionally, the Chelsea captaincy remains a consideration. Reece James and Ben Chilwell have both faced injury issues, and the captain’s armband could go to a player with more experience at the club. Gallagher’s future at Chelsea thus remains in the balance as the club navigates its summer plans.