Chelsea Name the Price for Player Likened to Club Legend Frank Lampard
By Kavin Kumar
Chelsea have been one of the busiest clubs in the early stages of this transfer window. So far, the have completed deals for Enzo Maresca and defender Tosin Adarabioyo. And now, they have laid out the conditions for selling midfielder Conor Gallagher.
Chelsea Plan for a Future Without Conor Gallagher
The fans will be disappointed with this decision but Chelsea have decided to sell Conor Gallagher and are demanding a minimum of £50 million for him, according to Kaveh Solhekol from Sky Sports. The midfielder was crucial to the West London club's sixth-placed finish this season.
Chelsea won’t let Connor Gallagher go for less than £50m. Mason Mount went for 50+5 and Gallagher is captain and regarded as better all-round player. Gallagher has been model professional. Not agitated for big new deal. Aston Villa and Atletico want him. Spurs expected to bid.
— Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) June 4, 2024
There seem to be some valid reasons for the fee Chelsea have demanded. Gallagher had been serving as the captain in the absence of Reece James and Ben Chilwell. The club consider the 24-year-old midfielder to be a better all-round player than former Chelsea star Mason Mount who was sold to Manchester United for around £60 million(add-ons included). Hence Chelsea want a similar fee for Gallagher as well.
To his credit, Gallagher has behaved in a very professional manner. He has not caused trouble demanding a big new deal or a move elsewhere. The Chelsea academy product has given his best on the pitch and in the training centre. Former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira had even drawn comparisons between Gallagher and Frank Lampard. Yet, the club are planning to sell him so that they can spend that money on new transfers.
The clubs that have shown an interest in the Chelsea captain so far are Atletico Madrid and Premier League duo Tottenham Hotspurs and Aston Villa. Spurs' interest is serious and long-standing and they are expected to submit a bid for him. Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou is said to really appreciate Gallagher and will consider him an upgrade on his current midfield options.
Chelsea are well stocked in the midfield area thanks to the likes of Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernandez, and Moises Caicedo. The club spent more than £200 million on Caicedo and Fernandez. So it is tough to imagine Gallagher starting over either of them when all three are fit. And there is no way he is dislodging Palmer from the starting XI. A player of Gallagher's caliber will not settle for a place on the bench. Hence a transfer would suit all parties involved.