Transfer Centre

Mauricio Pochettino: 'I want to keep Conor Gallagher at Chelsea'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 01 September 2023

Pochettino: 'I want to keep Gallagher at Chelsea'

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino says that he hopes that midfielder Conor Gallagher will still be a Chelsea player after the end of the summer transfer window.

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino has revealed that he is keen to keep Conor Gallagher at Chelsea, despite speculation regarding his future.

Throughout the summer transfer window, the England international has been regarded as a player who may be sold by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital to generate valuable income to meet FFP regulations.

Furthermore, the arrival of a number of midfielders for big transfer fees hints that the 23-year-old would be available for a suitable fee.

However, since Pochettino's arrival at Stamford Bridge, Gallagher has played a regular part in the side, starting all four matches in all competitions.

The academy graduate was also provided with the captain's armband for Wednesday's EFL Cup tie against AFC Wimbledon, further indication of his status within the group.

Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino during Premier League fixture against Luton Town on August 25, 2023. © Reuters

In recent days, reports have indicated that each of Tottenham Hotspur and Bayern Munich hold an interest in signing Gallagher before Friday's transfer deadline.

When quizzed on the subject at a press conference in the early afternoon, Pochettino admitted that he would rather retain his services than see the club cash in on someone who he describes as a "consistent" player.

Speaking to reporters, as quoted by football.london, the Argentine said: "All players in the squad are in our plans. After is a decision of two parts of club and player.

"Conor is a consistent player than can play in different positions. Circumstances happen in the past we can say nothing, we can only say our feeling from day one and he has shown great commitment to the club, he was captain two days ago, he is an important player but the future I don't know.

Conor Gallagher celebrates scoring for Chelsea on April 13, 2023 © Reuters

"If you are the best, you are going to play, even if we spend big money on a player, that is football. All players in the squad know they are going to play if the deserve to play.

"That is the thing that is happening with the squad. We are so happy with him, we hope he stays."

Gallagher remains with two years left on his contract, a scenario that usually leads to Boehly and Clearlake parting ways with a player or renegotiating their terms.

As it stands, there has been no indication that the relevant parties have sat down to discuss a fresh deal.