Chelsea star warned he is now a squad player because of Enzo Maresca’s playing style

Conor Gallagher is weighing up a move to Atletico Madrid after being handled a brutal warning by Chelsea.

The England international is free to negotiate personal terms after the Blues accepted an offer in the region of £33 million.

Gallagher turned down a move to Aston Villa earlier in the transfer window, while Tottenham have also been monitoring his situation.

The 24-year-old was a key part of the midfield engine room that powered Chelsea’s improvment during the latter stages of Mauricio Pochettino’s tenure.

Despite his excellent form, Chelsea are prepared to part ways with Gallagher and, according to the BBC, told him was unlikely to play a prominent role under Enzo Maresca, owing largely to the Italian’s possession-based gameplan.

Gallagher is believed to have turned down a three-year contract, structured as a two-year deal with an option for an extra year, in June.

Despite appearing to have been backed into a corner, Gallagher’s position remains that were he to be offered more favourable terms he would likely stay put and fight for his future in the belief he can thrive under Chelsea’s latest new manager.

Gallagher is not the only midfielder that Diego Simone is targeting however, at Atleric Madrid with Mikel Merino, who is also in the last year of his contract, the other top name on their shortlist.

Merino has been valued at £40m by Real Sociedad and has also emerged as a target for Arsenal who are close to striking a deal at just £25m

It’s been a busy transfer window so far for Chelsea who have already sold academy graduates Ian Maatsen, Lewis Hall and Omari Hutchinson to Premier League rivals.

They have so far spent over £74m on Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Omari Kellyman, Renato Veiga, Caleb Wiley, Marc Guiu and Tosin Adarabioyo.