Gallagher excluded from Chelsea squad due to Atletico interest

CONOR GALLAGHER HAS BEEN EXCLUDED FROM CHELSEA'S FIRST TEAM AS THE CLUB ATTEMPTS TO FORCE THE ACADEMY GRADUATE OUT, FOLLOWING THEIR ACCEPTANCE OF A £33 MILLION OFFER FROM ATLETICO MADRID

According to talkSPORT, Chelsea has informed Gallagher that he is no longer part of the first-team squad. Atletico Madrid's bid for the England international has been accepted, but he has not yet finalized terms with the club. Gallagher has turned down a two-year contract extension at Stamford Bridge, as the club doubts he will fit into Enzo Maresca's possession-based system. With his contract running until 2025, Chelsea seems intent on selling him rather than letting him leave for free at the season's end. Gallagher, who has made 95 appearances for Chelsea, might be sold despite interest from Atletico and Tottenham, Chelsea's rival. The club will face Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Inter in their final pre-season friendlies before starting their Premier League campaign against Pep Guardiola's team.