Chelsea ‘in Conor Gallagher talks with Premier League rival as sensational swap transfer is discussed’

CONOR GALLAGHER has moved one step closer to a Chelsea exit after the club held preliminary transfer talks with Aston Villa, according to reports.

The 24-year-old starred as the Blues’ captain for much of the 2023/24 season as Reece James and Ben Chilwell were sidelined through injury.

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Conor Gallagher could be on the way to Aston Villa after preliminary talks were held with Chelsea[/caption]

PA

Gallagher has emerged as a top target for Unai Emery ahead of their Champions League return next season[/caption]

His industry and tenacity in midfield made him a firm favourite of former boss Mauricio Pochettino, who walked away from the club last month.

Gallagher‘s strong season in midfield for the Stamford Bridge club saw him earn an England call-up to Gareth Southgate‘s provisional 33-player squad for Euro 2024.

Yet despite his impressive season that saw him score seven goals and add nine assists, speculation had been rampant he would need to be the fall guy and leave club to help them pass Profit and Sustainability rules.

Passing these rules mean Chelsea must make sales before June 30.

Tottenham had previously been linked with a transfer for the former Crystal Palace loanee.

However, The Athletic have now reported that it is Champions League side Aston Villa who have entered talks over a deal.

With the Englishman entering the final 12 months of his contract, Gallagher is said to have emerged as a top target for Unai Emery as he looks to bolster his midfield options.

This has seen the midlands side contact both Chelsea and Gallagher’s camp over a potential move.

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According to journalist Ben Jacobs, a fee of around £50m has been set by club bosses to sanction the sale of Gallagher.

Negotiations over the move will be helped by the “healthy” relationship to two sides have following the deal that took Carney Chukwuemeka to Stamford Bridge from Villa Park.

Chelsea also retain a strong interest in 20-year-old forward Jhon Duran after he was considered in January, and may explore a swap deal as talks progress.

Although, Duran has also fielded interest from Italy, Spain and Saudi Arabia.

Chelsea bosses want to back new head coach Enzo Maresca, who was announced as the club’s new boss yesterday after joining from Leicester.

Four key signings have already been touted for him as he kicks off his five-year deal.

A new goalkeeper adept with playing with their feet, a new centre-back and left-back and a new forward are all on the shopping list this summer.

This may include a massive purchase for Napoli ace Victor Osimhen, who has a £113milllion release clause in his deal with the Italians.