Aston Villa and Chelsea stance on Conor Gallagher and Jhon Duran swap deal mooted

Alan Hutton believes that Aston Villa and Chelsea are unlikely to reach an agreement on a trade that would send Conor Gallagher to Villa Park and Jhon Duran to Stamford Bridge.

In order to avoid breaking PSR, Chelsea is reportedly interested in signing Gallagher this summer, and Unai Emery is eager to bolster his team before the new season begins [The Telegraph, May 18].

Furthermore, after Duran was seen like multiple Chelsea-related social media postings and was linked to a January transfer to the Blues, rumors about his future in the Midlands have persisted [Daily Mail, 25 January].

Given the uncertainties surrounding both players’ long-term prospects at this time, Sky Sports writer Dan Bardell suggested to Villa News on May 30 that a player plus cash swap deal could be the best course of action for all sides.

Hutton has acknowledged that he believes Emery’s team might make a great profit on that kind of trade this summer, but he doesn’t think either side will rush to complete the deal.

Hutton told Villa News, “As horrible as it sounds, I would like that.”

Conor Gallagher is a diligent worker who covers every blade of grass, so adding him to the midfield would, in my opinion, give you something more. I also like him as a player.
“I’ve always been shocked Chelsea thought he would be willing to leave. Having said that, I think Duran has a lot of promise and I truly like him.

“Is this deal going to happen in my opinion? No, I don’t think that will come about but hypothetically speaking I think it would be good.”

Will Aston Villa and Unai Emery sign Conor Gallagher from Chelsea in the summer transfer window?

On the surface, trading Duran for Gallagher would be a wise commercial decision for Villa, as they would receive an exciting young player in return for a ready-made Champions League player.

However, unless someone is prepared to pay a hefty transfer price, the Blues are reluctant to allow the England international to leave Stamford Bridge, which is probably why this deal will never get past the concept stage.

If profit and sustainability constraints do not hinder Villa, they may still win that transfer race; but, they will still face stiff competition from other Premier League opponents.

Moreover, Emery will probably be keen to hold onto Duran this summer, particularly as Ollie Watkins is still rumored to be considering a move from Villa Park. Since they don’t have many attacking alternatives, the Villans can’t afford to lose any more.

Although it looks like this possible trade is off, it doesn’t mean that neither player will make moves this summer.

In other Aston Villa news, Ross Barkley will join the team before the summer transfer market opens when the Villans and Luton Town reach a few agreements.