FEELING BLUE
Enzo Maresca fumes Premier League rules forced Chelsea to sell EIGHT stars with Gallagher set for Atletico transfer
Maresca has called for a rule change to 'protect academy players'
ENZO MARESCA says Premier League spending rules are forcing clubs to sell academy kids.
Conor Gallagher will become the latest academy graduate sold by Chelsea — off to Atletico Madrid for £33million — since their American owners took over two years ago.
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The England midfielder, 24, follows Billy Gilmour, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Mason Mount, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Ian Maatsen, Omari Hutchinson and Lewis Hall out of the door — for around £200m combined.
As the Blues have spent more than £1billion under Todd Boehly, they are having to sell to meet Profit and Sustainability Rules — with academy players going down as pure profit on club accounts.
Boss Maresca insists the issue is impacting many teams.
He said: "This is not Chelsea’s problem. All clubs are compelled to sell academy players because of the rules.
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"It’s a shame because in Italy, we have [Francesco] Totti with Roma, 20 years with the same club.
"We love that in football. The fans want to see that. But with the rules now it is different."
Asked if they should change, Maresca added: "If they want to protect academy players, then yes."
England international Gallagher has been with Chelsea since 2008 when he was a young boy.
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He broke through into the first team in the 2022/23 campaign and has racked up 95 appearances for the Blues.
He scored five goals and provided seven assists in 37 Premier League games last season.
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Tottenham were heavily linked with a move for Gallagher in the January window, but it now appears Atletico are set to land the international - who has 18 England caps.
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Chelsea are reportedly in talks with Napoli over the sale of Romelu Lukakau while Victor Osimhen could be going the other way on loan.
Conor Gallagher is set to join Atletico Madrid in a deal worth £34million.
West Ham are reportedly close to completing a deal for Manchester United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Man City goalkeeper Ederson revealed everything is still open regarding his future amid intense Saudi Arabia links.
Follow our LIVE TRANSFER BLOG for all the latest deals, gossip and exclusives.
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