Chelsea star rejected Premier League move

Chelsea face European champions Real Madrid on Wednesday, before completing their pre-season preparations with a game against Inter Milan at Stamford Bridge. 

So far this summer, Enzo Maresca’s side have endured a difficult run of results including defeats against Celtic and Manchester City, and a draw against League One side Wrexham.

The Blues’ only victory of the summer so far came against Mexican side Club America, although the form of forward Christopher Nkunku has been one positive for Maresca.

One player that looks almost certain to depart Stamford Bridge before the end of the transfer window is midfielder Conor Gallagher, although it has now emerged that the Englishman rejected a move to another Premier League side.

As per Football Insider, the England international rejected the opportunity to join Aston Villa after Chelsea accepted an offer from the Villans earlier this summer.

Gallagher is said to have rejected the chance to join Aston Villa

Gallagher, who is set to join Spanish side Atletico Madrid after agreeing terms with the La Liga outfit, has been the subject of intense speculation all summer.

The 24-year-old’s current contract with Chelsea is set to expire next summer, although the report claims that the London side did twice offer the midfielder a new two-year-deal.

Gallagher rejected the proposals, though, amid concerns that his playing time may suffer under Maresca next term.

The central midfielder has played more than 90 times for the Blues at senior level, having previously spent time on loan at both West Bromwich Albion and Crystal Palace.

Last season, under Mauricio Pochettino, the Englishman played 50 times across all competitions and captained the West London outfit on multiple occasions.

Chelsea, like many Premier League sides, have had to sell players this summer in order to ease any profit and sustainability concerns.

Fellow academy graduates Lewis Hall and Ian Maatsen have already been sold – the latter to Aston Villa – and it appears that Gallagher will now follow the likes of Mason Mount and Ruben Loftus-Cheek in departing their boyhood club.