NBA star sends clear four-word transfer message to Chelsea as Aston Villa consider deal

Chelsea are entering a new era with Enzo Maresca plucked from Leicester City to become the Blues’ new boss this summer.

Todd Boehly and his colleagues have made another change of direction as the Stamford Bridge dugout welcomes its new inhabitant.

Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, Frank Lampard and Mauricio Pochettino have all taken charge of Chelsea during the Boehly era, with the latter leaving in May.

Chelsea have chosen Maresca as their new boss, apparently impressed by the Italian’s work as he guided Leicester City to promotion from the Championship.

This is a big risk for the Blues; Maresca is pushing Pep Guardiola’s tactics, but his high-powered Leicester side have struggled during their promotion campaign.

Maresca faces a big first summer at Chelsea and although the focus will be on signings, some players will have to leave in order to balance the books.

NBA star sends warning to Conor Gallagher at Chelsea

Chelsea have spent heavily in recent years and signed so many young players, almost building a reserve for the future.

Players had to leave though and we saw Mateo Kovacic, Mason Mount and Kai Havertz all sold to Premier League rivals last summer.

A similar situation could also happen this summer – and Conor Gallagher has emerged as the most likely sale.

The midfielder spent much of the season managing Chelsea but is out of contract in 2025.

HITC understands that Gallagher is frustrated that Chelsea have not offered him a new contract despite interest from Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur.

Ideally, Chelsea would like to sell Gallagher this month in order to comply with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules.

Gallagher would count as a total profit on the books thanks to his time at the club and he could be dismissed along with Armando Broja and Trevoh Chalobah this summer.

It would be a highly controversial move, as many Chelsea fans want Gallagher – who was often the heart of the team last season – to stay put.

NBA star Josh Hart even joined the conversation after sharing his feelings on social media.

The New York Knicks forward has never hidden his love for Chelsea but sent a clear message about Gallagher’s future.

Hart responded to rumors of Gallagher’s departure with just four words: “please don’t sell him.”

Responses from Chelsea fans were mixed, with some believing the time had come to sell and bring in crucial funds.

Others strongly agree, urging Chelsea to listen to Hart and ensure Gallagher stays in west London.

The fact that no new contract is on the table suggests that Chelsea are preparing to sell, but fans would surely prefer to sell to Villa rather than Tottenham.

Losing a homegrown talent, one who wore the armband at Stamford Bridge, would be difficult enough for some fans without allowing him to join bitter rivals in Tottenham.

Villa and Chelsea are also discussing a potential deal involving striker Jhon Duran, which could well open the door to a potential departure for Gallagher – potentially upsetting some supporters in the process.

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