By Tom Gott & Ben Jacobs
Atletico Madrid remain interested in signing Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, 90min understands, but have concerns about the Blues' asking price.
Now in the final year of his contract, Gallagher has been made available for sale, with Chelsea looking for a similar deal to the £55m agreement which took Mason Mount to Manchester United last summer in similar circumstances.
Such a price has proven problematic for suitors like Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur, and sources have confirmed to 90min that Atletico are also reluctant to pay such a high fee for a player who could be available for free in just 12 months.
A verbal offer of £20m plus bonuses from Atletico was rejected by Chelsea earlier in the window and there has been little movement since, although Atletico have made it clear they would be interested in a deal if Chelsea lower their demands.
Atletico's stance could also be softened if Saul Niguez completes his move to Sevilla, which would open up a spot for a new midfielder to be signed.
Chelsea are in active talks with Atletico but the main subject being discussed currently is 20-year-old Samu Omorodion, who the Blues identified as a potential striker target earlier this summer.
A new contract has been drawn up for Samu which includes a €120m release clause, but 90min understands the striker is no longer represented by the agent who initially negotiated the fresh terms, and so Chelsea believe there could be a potential window of opportunity if Samu's new representative, his mother, does not wish to proceed with the same deal. Atleti do still remain confident of keeping Samu and him extending.
As for Gallagher, he will speak with new Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca after the European Championships come to a close to determine his role in the team. While he has been away with England, Chelsea have bolstered in midfield with the £30m signing of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from Maresca's former employers Leicester City.
With the PSR deadline of June 30 now in the past, Chelsea are in no rush to agree to a cut-price deal for Gallagher and sources have always maintained anyway the club is confident they have complied with the financial rules.
Chelsea are now waiting to see whether Tottenham act on their long-standing interest, although they value the midfielder at between £35m and £40m.
Aston Villa are looking to strengthen in midfield following the departure of Douglas Luiz but cannot currently afford to meet Chelsea's demands, although a possible departure of £40m-rated Jhon Duran,who is liked by West Ham United, could provide the necessary funds to sign Gallagher.
Gallagher could still remain at Chelsea this summer if no suitable bids are submitted, at which point Chelsea could look to tie him down to a new contract.
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This article was originally published on 90min.com as Chelsea stand firm on asking price of Atletico Madrid & Tottenham target.
