La Liga giants remain ‘most interested’ in signing Chelsea midfielder linked with exit: Fabrizio Romano 

Atletico Madrid are reportedly the 'most interested' side in signing Conor Gallagher from Chelsea. The Spanish side made contact but is sure the deal will not be easy.

As per Fabrizio Romano, Atletico Madrid have genuine interest in Gallagher but know that the deal will be expensive. They are unsure if they will be able to afford the fee demanded by the Blues, while the wage demands of the midfielder are also unknown.

Gallagher was linked with Newcastle United and Tottenham too, but the midfielder is keen on staying at Stamford Bridge. Speaking to the media earlier this summer, he said:

"I'm a Chelsea player and I love Chelsea. It's been a really tough season for me and the whole team and club. We'll work as hard as we can to get us back to where they belong."

Arsenal and Manchester United were also linked with Gallagher this summer, but both sides have not made a move for the midfielder. The 24-year-old has a year left on his contract and a new deal has not been offered yet.

Chelsea urged to keep Conor Gallagher by former player

Joe Cole has repeatedly spoke about Conor Gallagher and urged Chelsea to keep the midfielder. He believes that the Englishman is a key part of the starting XI and cannot be let go at any cost despite the PSR and FFP issues.

He was quoted by TEAMtalk as saying:

“Conor Gallagher can’t leave. I know there are issues financially but Conor Gallagher has been brilliant, from start to finish. Everyone has turned up in the last few weeks but Conor, you see a great player when he is playing in a struggling team. Conor was still there, captain as well. I think it is imperative that the club keeps him.”

He also urged new manager Enzo Maresca to ensure the midfielder stay and was quoted by Daily Mirror as saying:

“If I was sitting in front of the Chelsea owners, I would be telling them that Conor is arguably the most important player in the dressing room. Before you even talk about what he does on the pitch, he understands the club. During the difficult times you see what a player is worth and Conor was always there and available and driving the team on.”

The Guardian reported that the Blues are still not ruling out offering a new deal to Gallagher this summer.