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The Chelsea boss has blamed the Premier League for the expected sale of Conor Gallagher to Atletico Madrid.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has blamed the Premier League 's financial regulations for the club's decision to sell academy graduate Conor Gallagher.
Why Maresca criticised Premier League financial regulations
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The Blues have agreed a £40 million fee with Atletico Madrid for the midfielder, with the player set to accept a five-year contract in Spain.
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Gallagher's departure comes amid a wider trend at Chelsea of selling homegrown talent to balance the books, with Lewis Hall, Billy Gilmour, Mason Mount, Ian Maatsen, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Callum Hudson-Odoi departing in the last two years while doubts remain about Armando Broja and centre-back Trevoh Chalobah.
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Maresca acknowledged the impact of the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability rules on the club's transfer strategy, explaining that the regulations force clubs to sell players, particularly academy graduates, to maintain financial stability.
“This is not Chelsea’s problem,” Maresca asserted. “These are the rules. All the clubs at this moment are compelled to sell players from the academy because of the rules. It’s all of the Premier League clubs’ problems.
“The intention of the club is not to sell players from the academy, but it is the rules at the end that you have to do it. It’s not only us; it’s all the Premier League clubs. It’s a shame because in Italy we have Francesco Totti at Roma, 20 years with the same club.
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“A one-club man — we love that in football; the fans want to see that. But with the rules now, it is different from the past.”
Speaking further, the Italian manager expressed his disappointment at the situation, highlighting the importance of developing and retaining homegrown talent before emphasising that the current financial landscape in English football leaves clubs with little choice but to sell valuable assets.
“My personal opinion is it’s a shame because we like to see a one-club man, but the rules are different,” said Maresca. “If they want to protect academy players, the rules should change."
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Chelsea fans have expressed their frustration at the club's decision to part ways with another academy graduate, with many questioning the club's long-term strategy.
The Blues are currently on Tour in the United States, where they face Real Madrid on Wednesday morning keen to bounce back from a recent loss against Manchester City.
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