Aston Villa get Conor Gallagher transfer boost as Chelsea ‘line up £51m replacement’

The Villans have received a significant help in their pursuit of Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher,

with the Blues preparing a successor for their youth product.

Mauricio Pochettino has appealed with club officials to keep the 24-year-old,

but Premier League profit and sustainability criteria could compel them to sell.

Spurs have long admired Gallagher, but the Cobham product has established himself firmly in Chelsea’s first-team plans,

even wearing the captain’s armband on many occasions this season.

However, Gallagher’s contract expires at the end of next season,

and the two parties look to be no closer to striking an agreement on an extension.

Chelsea fear losing a key asset for free if they go into next year without a new contract for the midfielder,

who also represents pure profit on the accounting books, a welcome boost to their chances of meeting the division’s financial standards.

According to TBR Football, Chelsea is considering replacing Gallagher with Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte.

They are keeping an eye on the Uruguayan’s status following a disappointing debut season in France,

where he joined amid interest from the Blues nearly a year ago.

PSG are willing to let a few of their squad members, including Ugarte, leave to embark on a new era without Kylian Mbappe,

with Luis Enrique still able to call on Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz, Warren Zaire-Emery, Lee Kang-In, Carlos Soler,

and Danilo Pereira if the former Sporting player departs.

PSG will try to recoup the rumoured £51 million sum they paid for Ugarte less than a year ago,

with Chelsea’s interest lingering after being first rejected in favour of PSG.

Ugarte is open to heading to England this summer,

when Chelsea may want more midfield reinforcements if Gallagher departs for Aston Villa,

and Unai Emery seeks more vitality in the middle of the pitch.

Financially, Chelsea would be able to spread Ugarte’s transfer fee over the course of his contract,

whereas Gallagher would provide an immediate cash injection at a time when other Premier League teams are punished.

However, a prospective sale of Gallagher would likely annoy Pochettino,

who has declared on multiple occasions that he wants to keep the former Crystal Palace and Swansea loanee at Chelsea.

“I am not involved; I know nothing and cannot tell you. Pochettino stated earlier this month,

“I think you can see in my starting XI that he has been strong throughout the season.”

“He’s a key player, of sure. However, I am not involved in the decision; it is made by the club and Conor.

I am not concerned; it is a matter between the club and the player that needs to be resolved.”

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