Enzo Maresca breaks silence on Conor Gallagher Chelsea future

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has admitted that Conor Gallagher could leave Stamford Bridge this summer, noting that “anything could happen”.

Gallagher has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge this summer despite playing an important role in the club last season. Chelsea are thought to be close to Premier League spending limits and are considering selling a number of academy players.

Atletico Madrid have reportedly table a bid worth up to £33m for Gallagher, with the playmaker apparently top of the Spanish club’s transfer wish list.

Various report also claim that Chelsea are in direct contact with Atletico with an agreement nearing.

Speaking in a press conference during Chelsea’s pre-season tour of the USA, Enzo Maresca gave a hint on what could happen in the next few days.

Maresca refused to rule out an exit for Gallagher – or any of his teammates.

He said: “At the moment, Conor will be back with us at Cobham. He will be in Cobham in the next days. If the transfer window is open, anything can happen. Not only for Conor but for all of the players.”

Gallagher – who has been linked to Aston Villa and Tottenham – has 12 months remaining on his Chelsea deal. Fellow Blues academy graduate Ian Maatsen has already been sold to Aston Villa for £37.5m while Lewis Hall’s £28m deal with Newcastle went through earlier in the window.

Omari Hutchinson, previously of Arsenal’s academy, was sold to Ipswich Town for £23m while Cobham products Jamie Cumming, Michael Golding, Dion Rankine and Charlie Webster have all fetched fees this summer.