Just In – Chelsea finally set Conor Gallagher price as Tottenham in total desperation to complete the deal to anger Mouricio Pochettino [Full Details]
Chelsea are reportedly willing to entertain offers in the region of £50million for midfielder Conor Gallagher. The playmaker has featured regularly under Mauricio Pochettino this season, being named captain on several occasions, and his departure would frustrate his manager who does not want to lose him.
The Blues have endured a poor start to the season, winning just six of their opening 18 matches to put themselves 11th in the Premier League. Tensions are running high at Stamford Bridge as a result, with both Pochettino and the board coming under fire from supporters.
Todd Boehly and co have spent over £1billion since their arrival at the club, but the team is not operating like such a pricey unit is expected to. Instead, further investment is anticipated to fill gaping holes in the squad.
Chelsea are well aware of the Financial Fair Play guidelines though and the higher powers at the club are keen to sell several players to fund their recruitment – at the expense of some of Pochettino’s stalwarts.
When available, Gallagher has featured in every one of Chelsea’s Premier League fixtures so far this season and has been one of the few shining lights within the team – with his skillset suited to the demands of his manager. However, The Athletic report that the Blues are willing to offload the England international in the January transfer window, and he is not short of suitors.
It is claimed an offer in the region of £50m would be enough for Chelsea to part ways with their academy graduate, with Tottenham among his long-term admirers. Ange Postecoglou’s side were ‘seriously’ keen on Gallagher towards the latter stages of the summer transfer window, and it would be no surprise if that interest is reignited next month.
He recently explained: “I’m coaching the team, trying to make the best choice possible to perform. At the moment, so far, he’s doing well, fantastic for the team. He’s playing because he deserves it.
“About the future, it’s about the club and player and what they decide to do. In my previous experience at other clubs, I try to give my best opinion and advice to the club.
“I’m a manager who likes to work with the sporting director and the owners. It’s about talking and analysing things, then making the best decision for the club. It’s always, I repeat, from experience in the past, it’s about the club and the player and what they decide to do.”
