Chelsea in ‘serious’ financial mess as Aston Villa and Conor Gallagher transfer news emerges
Don Goodman says it is “madness” Chelsea would consider selling Conor Gallagher to Aston Villa unless the club are in serious financial trouble.
The Telegraph reported on 18 May that the Villans are eyeing a move for the Chelsea midfielder, who is out of contract in a year’s time.
Despite his contract situation, the Blues are still said to be after around £50million for Gallagher as they attempt to abide by the PSR guidelines.
Goodman is surprised Chelsea are considering offloading the England international, but accepts needs must if funds are required this summer.
“You don’t get to be part of an England squad at a major tournament unless you’re a very good player, which Conor Gallagher is,” Goodman told Villa News. “Nothing surprises you with Chelsea because this time last year there was also talk of Gallagher leaving.
“He came through the youth system and it would therefore be a straight profit on the balance sheet, so that explains the talk, but he was arguably behind only Cole Palmer in terms of Chelsea’s most consistent player last season.
“If they are to let him go, that shows they are in a serious mess financially, or otherwise it’s just madness. If you’re Aston Villa and have the chance of getting hold of Conor Gallagher, why wouldn’t you?”
Does Conor Gallagher transfer make sense for Aston Villa?
First and foremost, Villa are in a not-too-different situation to Chelsea with regards to their financial situation.
The Villans also know that players have to be sold before others are brought in, but Douglas Luiz’s likely exit will help in that regard, even if it is a sale fans will not be happy to see.
That £50m fee mooted for Gallagher does seem to be a little steep, though, considering he is available for nothing in a year’s time.
If Villa are able to knock that figure down to the £40m mark, that would potentially be some good business as Gallagher is a proven Premier League performer.
This summer is all about being smart with money, but at the same time some quality additions are needed – even more so if Luiz does depart.
If Gallagher is to be one of the marquee signings, it would not be the worst piece of business in the world.
In other Aston Villa news, the Villans have been told that a £25m player sale would be good business this summer.
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