Conor Gallagher to Aston Villa opens door for Chelsea to seal dream £60m transfer

Conor Gallagher joining Aston Villa early into the summer window could have a major impact on Chelsea's transfer plans. The expectation throughout 2024 has been that Gallagher will be moved on this summer as the Blues aim to sell for pure profit with the departure of Mauricio Pochettino only increasing the likelihood of an exit.

Tottenham and Aston Villa have already shown a keen interest in the England international with the latter making their first official move in an attempt to sign him, according to The Athletic. Their report reveals that Unai Emery's side have held preliminary talks over a potential summer move for the 24-year-old.

With his contract set to expire next summer and no extension talks taking place thus far, an exit from his boyhood club seems inevitable but the Blues will be sure to obtain maximum value for Gallagher. Any bids under £50million will not be considered with Chelsea considering him as a better all-round player than Mason Mount, who they sold to Manchester United for £65million 12 months ago.

Any funds acquired will go straight to helping balance the club's financial books with it also likely to place them in a better position to seal some marquee transfers. With that in mind, RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko, Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande and Michael Olise of Crystal Palace have all been linked with a move to Chelsea.

The club's transfer priority of the three appears unclear though, especially with Chelsea long-term admirers of them all. Arsenal are also interested in Sesko while Manchester United like both the Slovenia international and Olise. Considering his proven Premier League ability, it should be Olise that Chelsea push for if Gallagher departs.

With Raheem Sterling, Mykhailo Mudryk and Noni Madueke already at the club as natural wingers, it may result in one of those departing but it would certainly be worth it to sign Olise. As United are also in the race for his signature, it is no surprise the Eagles are demanding at least £60million to part ways with the in-form winger.

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Injuries plagued much of his 2023/24 campaign however a fully fit Olise contributed to seven goals in the final six games of the season with Palace also picking up 19 points out of a possible 21 in the final month of the season. Exactly that showed just how good Olise currently is but also how high his ceiling may be and the thought of him alongside Cole Palmer at Stamford Bridge is tantalising.