Aston Villa explore Gallagher loan-to-buy deal

Aston Villa have opened discussions over a potential move for Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher as Unai Emery looks to reinforce his squad during the January transfer window.

The Premier League side are understood to be pushing for a loan agreement that includes an obligation to buy the England international at the end of the season.

Gallagher, 25, joined Atletico Madrid from Chelsea last summer in a deal worth around £36 million but has struggled to secure a consistent starting role in Spain.

Atletico stance and competition

Gallagher has made 51 La Liga appearances since arriving in Madrid, although more than half of those outings have come from the bench.

Atletico manager Diego Simeone had initially been reluctant to sanction a loan move, but the club is now open to negotiations provided any temporary switch includes a guaranteed permanent transfer in the summer.

Villa have tracked Gallagher for some time and previously explored a move before Euro 2024, only for the midfielder to complete his switch from Chelsea to Atletico instead.

The renewed interest reflects Emery’s long-standing admiration for the player’s energy, versatility and Premier League experience.

Tottenham Hotspur have also been linked with Gallagher in recent weeks but are not believed to have formally entered the race.

Crystal Palace, where Gallagher enjoyed a productive loan spell earlier in his career, are also monitoring the situation, though their preference is reportedly a straight loan rather than a loan-to-buy structure.

Injury factor at Villa

Villa’s pursuit has gathered pace following Boubacar Kamara’s injury in the FA Cup defeat to Tottenham at the weekend.

Kamara was seen with heavy strapping on his leg after the match, raising concerns he could be sidelined for a period. While Villa’s interest in Gallagher pre-dated that setback, the injury is understood to have accelerated internal discussions.

Gallagher’s potential arrival would offer Emery an option capable of operating across midfield roles, providing both defensive work rate and attacking output.

With Villa competing on multiple fronts and pushing to maintain momentum in the league, the club view midfield depth as a priority.

Negotiations remain ongoing, with Atletico’s conditions expected to shape whether a deal can be finalised before the window closes.