Conor Gallagher Chelsea transfer latest - Aston Villa talks, replacement found, Maresca stance

For the second summer in a row - and the third straight transfer window - Conor Gallagher's Chelsea future is set to be at the centre of much speculation. As he heads into the final 12 months of his contract at Stamford Bridge, parallels are being drawn with the exit of Mason Mount.

The two-time Chelsea player of the season was sold last year to Manchester United for a deal that could bring in £65 million as he also went into the last 12 months of his deal. Unlike Gallagher, Mount left in controversial fashion after a dispute over the terms he had been offered previously.

Gallagher, though, is coming off the back of his best personal season to date and has not yet been offered a new deal by the club. He is seen as one of the more sellable assets by the hierarchy despite such an impressive 2023/24 campaign under Mauricio Pochettino.

The 24-year-old not only started all but one Premier League match in midfield - that one he missed due to suspension - but he also captained the side in the absence of Reece James and Ben Chilwell for much of it. He played in 50 of the 51 games across all competitions and unsurprisingly led the way for most minutes.

Shifted across the pitch from a deeper option to a box-to-box hound and also an advanced No.10, Gallagher demonstrated great flexibility. It is a quality that has made him a go-to option for Gareth Southgate and England as well heading into this summer's European Championships in Germany.

But Chelsea are still open to selling Gallagher once again. In the summer of 2022 they rejected a late bid from Crystal Palace following his loan at Selhurst Park, only to then field another offer from Everton six months later. They were happy for him to depart at that stage but he instead remained to fight for his place.

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Tottenham are now amongs the teams known to still be interested in Gallagher, football.london understands, and they were in talks with him on deadline day last year too. Despite risking Gallagher leaving for free next summer if no contract is agreed and a transfer not completed, all options remain open.

Gallagher himself would like to stay at his boyhood club, but must be ready for all eventualities. Any money made from a possible sale would represent pure profit on the accounts for Chelsea, who are expected to need to continue selling players in order to comply with Premier League financial rules, although the club are adamant that they do not need major deals before June 30 to be below the 2023/24 allowed loss-making threshold.

Here, football.london has the latest on Gallagher's future.

Aston Villa interest

It is understood that as well as Tottenham, Aston Villa are also exploring a deal to sign Gallagher. They are thought to have their own financial concerns to meet but are aiming to bolster Unai Emery's squad ahead of a season in the Champions League.

The manager is said to be a big fan of Gallagher. The Athletic report that preliminary talks between Villa and Gallagher's representatives have already started.

Chelsea price tag

Unlike last year, when Chelsea were willing to entertain offers of only £35million for Gallagher, there is a much bigger fee being demanded this time round. It is suggested that as much as £50million is going to be the starting point for negotiations.

football.london understands that the price is partially being dictated by the Mount deal, especially after Gallagher has had such a strong season. Mount endured his worst year before still bringing in a large sum.

Suggestions from Spain say that Atletico Madrid also have Gallagher in their sight. No official offer or talks are said to have been made yet though.

What Gallagher has said

Speaking in early June during the England international camp, Gallagher opened up on what is to come for him and the appointment of Enzo Maresca.

"It’s really exciting," he told Sky Sports following England's 3-0 win against Bosnia and Herzegovina. "I’ve heard and seen really good things. Myself and everyone at Chelsea are really excited to work with him.

"We want to get Chelsea back to where they belong so with the new manager we can progress to get where we belong."

Replacement found?

Chelsea have been linked with Leicester City midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. It is reported that Maresca will push to be reunited with the player should Gallagher go.

The Foxes face their own financial problems this summer and could be forced to sell their top performer from last season in order to raise funds.