Chelsea have exiled star man from first-team group as he rejects contract extension - Reports

Conor Gallagher has reportedly been removed from Chelsea's first team due to his refusal to accept the club's latest contract terms. The 24-year-old has been linked with a move to Atletico Madrid, as per Fabrizi Romano. The west London club reportedly agreed on a transfer fee of around €40 million but the decision depends on the player.

Conor Gallagher, whose contract will expire in 2025, turned down an offer of a two-year extension with the option of a further year from his boyhood club. This paved the way for Atletico Madrid to potentially acquire his services.

As per talkSPORT, Conor Gallagher has been told that he has been excluded from Chelsea's first team. He won't be training with them when they return from their preseason tour in the United States. The report also claimed that there are concerns about the financial prudence of offering a long-term contract. The club are unable to provide Gallagher with assurances regarding playing time.

Despite this saga, the 24-year-old will not force his move out of his childhood club. He will only make the move to the Wanda Metropolitano if the terms are right for him. Gallagher was an integral part of his side's campaign last season, registering seven goals and nine assists in 50 games across competitions.

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Carlo Ancelotti says Enzo Maresca will do well at Chelsea

After Enzo Maresca was confirmed as Mauricio Pochettino's replacement, a lot of fans questioned the decision. They believe the Italian manager doesn't have the experience needed to manage the club.

Real Madrid gaffer Carlo Ancelotti, however, doesn't believe that experience will determine whether or not his fellow Italian manager will succeed at the west London club. According to Metro, he told former Blues midfielder John Obi Mikel, on the Obi One Podcast:

"Experience is not the most important part of our job. It’s part of our job, but of course, the most important part is the knowledge. And the fact that he has experience with Pep Guardiola and with Leicester City, I think he has the knowledge to manage and to do well at Chelsea."

Chelsea is the third club that Enzo Maresca has managed. Before moving to Stamford Bridge, he managed Parma in Italy’s second-tier Serie B and Leicester City in the EFL Championship. He helped the latter win the Championship and earn promotion last season.

Meanwhile, Chelsea's pre-season tour under Enzo Maresca hasn't gone well so far as they have only won one game out of three. They drew 2-2 against Wrexham, lost 4-1 against Celtic, and beat Club America 3-0.

They will play against Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Inter Milan in preseason before their first Premier League game in the 2024–25 season. They will host City on August 18.