Transfer Centre

Conor Gallagher 'intends to fight for Chelsea place'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 27 July 2023

Midfielder Conor Gallagher would reportedly prefer to fight for his place at Chelsea rather than move to another Premier League club.

Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher is allegedly not contemplating a transfer away from Stamford Bridge at the present time.

Last summer, the academy graduate was finally presented with the opportunity to make an impression in the senior ranks after a number of loan spells elsewhere.

While the 23-year-old did not find the consistency that he would have liked, he still made 21 starts and 24 substitute outings in all competitions.

Since the arrival of Mauricio Pochettino, Gallagher has played a full part in the club's pre-season tour of the United States, featuring for the second half of the 1-1 draw with Newcastle United on Wednesday night.

Nevertheless, reports emerged at the beginning of the week that Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital were keen to cash in on the England international, aware that they could generate in excess of £40m for his signature.

Chelsea co-owner and chairman Todd Boehly before the match on April 18, 2023 © Reuters

The suggestion was that Gallagher was open to exploring a new challenge away from West London, a consequence of knowing that he may have more opportunities at a different club.

Pochettino was also said to be on board, yet the Argentine insisted at a press conference ahead of the Newcastle game that Gallagher remained firmly in his plans.

Now, according to the Daily Mail, Gallagher intends to fight for his place in Pochettino's starting lineup for the foreseeable future.

With two years left on his contract, the former Crystal Palace loan star is in a situation where Boehly and Clearlake Capital may prefer to sell to ensure that they generate their desired transfer fee.

Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher celebrates scoring against Crystal Palace on October 1, 2022. © Reuters

However, West Ham United have allegedly failed with a proposal in the region of £40m, Chelsea instead wishing to recoup closer to £50m if they are to further boost their FFP position.

The Hammers now assume that they will miss out on the signing of Gallagher and will look to a wide array of other targets that have been identified as potential alternatives to Declan Rice.

From Chelsea's perspective, the development surrounding Gallagher comes at a time when they are finding it increasingly difficult to reach an agreement with Brighton & Hove Albion for Moises Caicedo.

If Chelsea's hierarchy are to meet Brighton's demands, said to stand at £100m, parting ways with other big earners and fringe members of the squad may have to occur beforehand.