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Tottenham handed transfer blow as long-term transfer target prefers to stay at current club

Tottenham target Conor Gallagher keen to extend Chelsea connection

Tottenham Hotspur summer transfer target Conor Gallagher is likely to stay in Chelsea. Spurs were ahead in the race for the 24-year-old English midfielder, and Aston Villa was also preparing to take him to Villa Park, per Guardian.

The Chelsea academy player signed his professional contract with the Blues in 2022. After his four-year journey with the club, he also bounced through some other clubs on loan. He captained Chelsea in several matches as their captain Reece James and vice-captain Ben Chilwell weren’t available for a large part of the season.

Conor Gallagher expressed his desire to stay with Chelsea

The club was getting ready to sell the academy player, as his contract going to end by next summer. But the player wishes to continue his career at Chelsea. Coming from a hard-core Chelsea-supporting family, the player is more interested in playing in the blue shirt at the packed Stamford Bridge. Gallagher’s decision may affect Chelsea’s plans; they will be at risk of taking a financial hit if the situation is not resolved soon.

Aston Villa and Spurs are in race for Conor Gallagher from Chelsea (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)

Tottenham and Aston Villa are the two major clubs that contacted Chelsea for the English midfielder. Chelsea is also expecting at least £50m for the academy player. The player is selected on the 33-player probable squad list for Euro 2024.

Chelsea will not step back from the selling process, as the club thinks he will not fit in with new manager Enzo Maresca’s playing style. Also, Chelsea can receive a good price as a release clause, so they don’t have to worry about the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability regulations.

Ange Postecoglou considers Callagher as one of the potential targets in the summer transfer. The Aussie tactician is impressed with his last campaign performance. If Spurs add the 24-year-old to their squad, they can create a playmaking combo with Gallagher and James Maddison.

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But Aston Villa’s interest in Gallagher may reduce the chance of Spurs getting the English midfielder. If the Englishman want to move from Chelsea, he may choose Villa over Spurs as they have qualified for the Champions League. Spurs have only secured spot in the Europa League as they could only finish fifth in the league. Even though Spurs fans can have hope until Unai Emery’s team is not ready to buy the player for £50m.