Gallagher told he will only be squad player under Enzo Maresca with his future in balance after Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid have set Conor Gallagher a deadline to decide whether he will join the Spanish club after a £34m fee was agreed with Chelsea.

Gallagher has been told he will only be a squad player under Enzo Maresca, with the new boss favouring a possession-heavy style of play at Chelsea.

Gallagher turned down a new contract offer from Chelsea on Wednesday, with this latest deal – made up of two years plus the option of another – following another extension offer he rejected in June. However, the midfielder remains open to agreeing a new long-term contract with his boyhood club.

Right now, Gallagher is considering all his options. Chelsea will meet with him with the aim of resolving the situation. They recognise he is an academy graduate but want to understand what he wants to do.

Right now, Gallagher is considering all his options. Chelsea will meet with him with the aim of resolving the situation. They recognise he is an academy graduate but want to understand what he wants to do.

Gallagher is due back at Cobham from Monday, while Chelsea’s first-team squad continue on their pre-season tour of the US until Wednesday.

Gallagher was also offered a new deal in autumn 2022 which he turned down as he wanted to be a regular starter. He became that last season, making 37 starts in the Premier League, scoring five goals.

His seven assists ranked him second among Chelsea players. He was also second for chances created, while topping the club metrics for winning possession.

Chelsea accepted a larger bid from Aston Villa for Gallagher this summer but he decided to reject a move to Villa Park and stay at Stamford Bridge. Spurs remain interested in Gallagher.

Chelsea would prefer to sell him to a club abroad rather than a Premier League rival