Chelsea are now keen to tie Conor Gallagher down to a new contract – just weeks after plenty of sources claimed he could be sold.
That is according to Tutto Mercato Web in Italy.
So, what is the situation involving Conor Gallagher and Chelsea? Let’s take a look…
What’s the story?
Well, it was Fabrizio Romano who named the England international as someone who could potentially leave Stamford Bridge this summer, along with Cesar Azpilicueta, Christian Pulisic and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The reliable Italian journalist was mostly spot on, as the latter is now close to joining Marseille, while Azpilicueta has moved to Atlético Madrid and Pulisic heads to AC Milan.
Gallagher – however – looks to have survived.
Tutto Mercato Web believe the 23-year-old, who scored in Thursday’s 5-0 win over Wrexham, has impressed Mauricio Pochettino, and Chelsea are now keen to renew his contract amid interest from West Ham.
The Italian news outlet state that Chelsea’s No.23 is West Ham’s No.1 choice to replace Declan Rice.
Pochettino is said to view Gallagher as an important player at Stamford Bridge, although if the Chelsea academy graduate decides against signing a new contract, Tutto Mercato Web believe the Blues will ask for €46m (£40m) to sell him.
Conor Gallagher can become a key player for Chelsea
In our view, Gallagher was seriously mismanaged last season, as Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter and Frank Lampard all failed to use him properly.
At Crystal Palace – where Gallagher won the Player of the Season award after his loan spell in 2021/22 – Patrick Vieira used him as more of a No.10 just behind the striker.
If Pochettino does the same, and the Epsom-born midfielder strikes up a strong connection with the likes of Christopher Nkunku, he could become a significant player for the Blues going forward.
Be sure to keep an eye on Gallagher’s situation, as West Ham are seriously interested.