Atletico Madrid is open to business this summer, whether it comes or departs from the Metropolitano. In April it was reported that very few members of the team were assured of their place in the team, and it seems that it remains the case for Conor Gallagher.
The former Chelsea midfielder moved for € 42 million last summer and arrived in many fanfare, but had trouble concluding a place in the starting XI. His competition, Samuel Lino, was sold to Flamengo in July for € 24 million, but with the arrival of Alex Baena, the role of Gallagher on the left side of midfield is further in doubt. Gallagher was hardly used centrally by Diego Simeone and is expected to lie behind Johnny Cardoso and Pablo Barrios in the pecking order.
A source has indicated to football España that Atletico continues to look for an exit for Gallagher, because they want to earn his fee this summer. Atletico has not made a decisive call on the midfielder, but he is not a prominent part of Simeone's plans and he has instructed his agent to explore a return to the Premier League. Gallagher was offered to various Premier League clubs earlier in the summer.
Gallagher still has a lot of credit in England, even if nobody has taken a step for him. Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is a fan of him, and Nottingham Forest has also been mentioned as a potential destination. Newcastle United had asked about Gallagher, but has no skilled conversations further.
As things stand out, Tottenham Hotspur is the most likely destination for Gallagher. Spurs appreciate his combination of physicality and technical skills, and therefore consider an offer for him. It is not yet clear whether the arrival of Joao Palhinha will influence their interest.