Former Chelsea and Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit has slammed Blues owner Todd Boehly for his manic transfer policy in West London.
The Frenchman has come to the defence of Conor Gallagher, who is set to complete his move to Atletico Madrid in the coming days.
Gallagher, 26, was sent to Spain to finalise a deal, only for things to stall and force him to return home and await any further news.
He was barred from first-team training and not involved in the opening weekend of the Premier League while his future remained up in the air.
But the England international and Chelsea academy graduate looks set to finally seal his move to the Spanish capital, although Petit remains unhappy over his treatment.
Speaking to Android Poker Apps, Petit said: “Chelsea should try to keep Conor Gallagher. In modern football, sometimes you don’t have an Englishman in the starting XI and Chelsea need his English presence in the squad.
🔴⚪️ Conor Gallagher will be presented as new Atlético player on Wednesday at the Metropolitano stadium.
He’s already signed his contract valid until 2029, also done all medical tests so just formally being announced in next 24h. pic.twitter.com/HMTpv1A2Xw
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 20, 2024
“It really reminds me of the Mason Mount situation, both players were happy to stay at the club and both have been forced out. Gallagher, alongside Cole Palmer, was the only positive player last season.
“Even if he leaves Chelsea, I don’t want to see him leave the Premier League – he deserves more than what’s happening to him with Atletico Madrid. Gallagher belongs in England, he’s built up his career through loan moves and then became captain at Chelsea, he deserves better than this.
“Why are Chelsea getting rid of their best midfielder for loads of unknown young stars?
“It’s a massive gamble to splash millions on these foreign players, if I was Gallagher I’d be so p****d off, it’s a pity.”
While Gallagher looks set to leave, Chelsea are on the verge of bringing Joao Felix back to Stamford Bridge.
The Atletico man was on loan at Stamford Bridge a few seasons ago but will now return on a permanent deal under new head coach Enzo Maresca.
