Chelsea have reportedly decided how they plan to handle the departure of midfielder Conor Gallagher.
For at least a year, speculation has persisted regarding the academy graduate's future courtesy of his contract being due to expire in 2025.
Despite starring as captain and in the engine room last season, it has been well-documented that Gallagher has been available for the right price.
In recent days, it has been widely reported that Chelsea have agreed to sell the 24-year-old to Atletico Madrid in a £33m deal, Gallagher himself giving the green light to a move to Spain.
As a result, the West Londoners will be losing yet another homegrown talent and someone who contributed five goals and seven assists in the Premier League during 2023-24.
Furthermore, Enzo Maresca will not be able to call upon the England international's formidable pressing qualities, even if they do not necessarily fit his philosophy.
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How will Gallagher be replaced?
Given Chelsea's relentless activity in the transfer market, it would come as no surprise to anyone if they sought a direct alternative to Gallagher.
However, according to Football Insider, Chelsea currently have no intention of adding a fresh face to their range of options in the centre of the pitch.
Maresca and the club's recruitment team are said to be comfortable with the players that are already at the club.
A report on Monday indicated that Chelsea are effectively going to use the money generated from Gallagher's sale to sign Atletico Madrid forward Samu Omorodion.
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Who is in contention for a midfield role?
Earlier in the summer transfer window, Chelsea purchased Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall - one of Maresca's key men at Leicester City - in a £30m deal.
With Romeo Lavia having featured heavily during pre-season on the back of a near-season out with injury, Chelsea effectively have more players available than they did during the most recent campaign.
Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez feature high up the pecking order, while Carney Chukwuemeka is viewed as a more attacking option in the middle.
Lesley Ugochukwu and Cesare Casadei are also currently at Chelsea, yet it has been claimed that one or both could leave on loan or, in the case of the latter, on a permanent basis.
Andrey Santos has already been allowed to re-join Strasbourg on a season-long loan deal.
Darren Plant
