Chelsea allegedly have concerns over how the transfer saga involving Conor Gallagher could play out during the summer transfer window.
The 24-year-old has just starred for the Blues during 2023-24, starting all but one of their 38 Premier League games as sixth place was eventually secured in the table.
Gallagher was also captain for the majority of those fixtures, yet speculation has persisted that his progress at his boyhood club could be cut short by the club's co-owners.
Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital have made little attempt to extend Gallagher's contract past 2025, instead preferring to cash in on his signature to boost the club's position with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules.
A price tag in the region of £50m has reportedly been placed on Gallagher, yet it is unclear whether any clubs would realistically consider paying that much money for a player who would be available on a free transfer in 12 months time.
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Boehly, Clearlake have concerns over Gallagher future
Reports have suggested that Gallagher is not short of admirers with Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur and Atletico Madrid having all been credited with an interest.
On the flip side, it is known that Gallagher's preference is to remain at Stamford Bridge, and it has been indicated that the England international will not jump at any opportunity presented to him.
According to Football Insider, Chelsea officials have concerns that Gallagher will be willing to bide his time before leaving for nothing next summer.
The report says that Gallagher is willing to take control over his future, rather than accept that Chelsea are effectively attempting to push him towards the exit door to help balance the books.
Furthermore, it is also acknowledged that foreign clubs can hold discussions over a pre-contract agreement as soon as January, giving Gallagher further reason to stay patient.
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What is the most likely outcome?
In Chelsea's eyes, selling Gallagher before June 30 - the deadline for the next accounts to be filed - is viewed as the perfect outcome.
However, with Gallagher now focused on England duty at Euro 2024, getting the player to entertain talks over what would be the biggest move of his career seem remote, particularly when he does not want to leave Chelsea in the first place.
Given his contractual situation, even a strong showing in Germany will not enhance his price tag, and there will realistically be truth in Chelsea feeling hamstrung over how the scenario will pan out.
Chelsea could resolve the situation by selling other players and handing a new contract to Gallagher, yet it has recently been claimed that there is uncertainty over whether he will fit into the possession-based tactics of new head coach Enzo Maresca.
Darren Plant
