Chelsea’s rivals are encouraged by lack of breakthrough over new contract for Conor Gallagher as they prepare to swoop for the England star this summer… with the midfielder approaching final year of his deal
- Chelsea star Conor Gallagher faces an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge
- Rival clubs are buoyed by a lack of progress in new contract talks
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Chelsea are approaching a summer in which they could lose not only a leader in Thiago Silva, but also Conor Gallagher, with interested clubs buoyed by the lack of a breakthrough on a new contract.
The 24-year-old Gallagher is entering the final year of his contract with the club he joined at the age of eight. Talks about extending his stay have been going on for several months, but Chelsea insiders say the situation remains the same with five games of the Premier League season remaining.
Mauricio Pochettino wants his ruthless runner to stay, although the manager himself is unsure how much input he will have in the club’s transfer activities this summer. Previous windows were largely handled by sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart.
Chelsea insist their relationship with Gallagher is strong, but they have shown a willingness to sell him in the past and rivals are ready to make a splash this summer.
That includes Tottenham, Chelsea’s opponents next Thursday, whose playing style under Ange Postecoglou would suit Gallagher’s box-to-box qualities. Newcastle, Liverpool, West Ham, Everton, Brighton and Fulham have also previously been linked with the England international.
Chelsea’s rivals have been encouraged by the club’s lack of progress on a new contract
The Blues midfielder has shown leadership in the face of adversity for his side this season
However, Chelsea will not let Gallagher leave cheaply, even though his contract is about to expire.
Mail Sport spoke to an anonymous source at an interested club, who revealed that they had been told last summer that a deal could be done for £40m. Despite his shrinking contract, they fear Chelsea will now demand even more after a season in which Gallagher has shown his talent.
Add to that Gallagher’s salary expectations – there is an argument he should earn £150,000 a week – and it would be an expensive purchase for any potential suitor.
That’s why the source above says it’s unlikely that Gallagher will be seriously pursued this summer, interestingly saying of Chelsea’s valuations: ‘We like him, but the numbers don’t add up. They pay too much, so they expect clubs to pay them too much.’
Certainly in the case of Tottenham, Chelsea would demand a higher price from Gallagher as they would much rather sell to a club they do not consider a direct rival. Despite this season coming to a disappointing end, Chelsea will once again be aiming for a top-four finish next season and will not want to help the competition this summer.
Speculation is rife that Chelsea are under pressure to sell players this summer to meet Premier League profit and sustainability rules, although the club is adamant this is not a problem. The fact that Gallagher is worth pure profit on the PSR balance sheet – having been brought through the Chelsea academy – is a consideration that will be taken into account.
In an injury-plagued season, Gallagher’s body refused to break down despite covering more distance than any of his teammates. That reliability is another reason why Pochettino rates him so highly, having handed him the captaincy in Reece James’ absence.
Gallagher celebrates his side’s second goal against Aston Villa in the 2-2 draw
Gallagher partnered Moises Caicedo in midfield at Aston Villa, with Enzo Fernandez ruled out for the rest of the season after groin surgery. Fernandez had spent the past six months pushing through the pain with injections and medications to get through matches.
Gallagher’s versatility meant he fitted into that role seamlessly, as he was usually used as a number 10 and the stats say he is the best ball player in the Premier League. He stole possession before Noni Madueke scored and then scored a sublime equalizer to help Chelsea come back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at Villa Park, once again underscoring his importance.
If Gallagher leaves along with Silva this summer, things will be difficult for the Chelsea dressing room, who might have had a worse season without their leadership.