Fabrizio Romano says Chelsea’s ‘priceless’ player is actually getting closer to being sold

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Selling players for profit on the books has certainly been a key part of what the owners at Chelsea are looking to do.

Todd Boehly and co are searching for any way possible to fund big transfers for both the present and the future, and this has unfortunately seen some promising players sacrificed.

Ian Maatsen and Omari Hutchinson are two of the players the club have made healthy profits on this summer already.

It looks as if the academy graduates have been targeted as the way to go as far as making money goes, with one man playing more than any last season now in serious danger.

It has been widely reported for months now that Conor Gallagher has been available for the right price to another club this summer, with his contract approaching the final year.

Atletico Madrid advancing with Chelsea over Conor Gallagher

Now, Fabrizio Romano has claimed that talks are advancing with Atletico Madrid over a potential deal.

He said: “EXCLUSIVE: Atlético Madrid and Chelsea are now in direct talks for Conor Gallagher deal. Negotiations underway for package worth around €35/40m add-ons included, requested by Chelsea.

“Gallagher, on top of Atlético list as revealed in May — now getting closer.”

To some, selling Gallagher was never the right call at this stage. Mauricio Pochettino described him as ‘priceless’ last season.

The England international donned the captain’s armband for the majority of last season too after injury woes continued to affect their careers.

Gallagher is currently yet to join up with the Chelsea squad after England’s deep run in the recent European Championships.

Chelsea would rather sell Gallagher outside the Premier League

If he is to leave though, there is no doubt a preference for him to be sold to a European side rather than potentially strengthening a Premier League rival.

The move is likely against Gallagher’s real wishes though, with him also commenting on his affection for playing for Chelsea.

This is a similar scenario to where Trevoh Chalobah finds himself. The defender was even left off the pre-season tour of the United States in an attempt to accelerate a move for him out of the club.