Conor Gallagher has been backed to have an impact with Chelsea next season amid uncertainty over the club’s takeover. The midfielder is currently thriving with Crystal Palace having joined the club on a season-long loan.
He has scored eight Premier League goals throughout the campaign and has been a huge driving force behind the Eagles’ success under Patrick Vieira. His performances at Selhurst Park build upon his first season in the top flight with West Bromwich Albion last term.
His spell with Palace is set to expire at the end of the campaign and the question remains over whether he will be handed chances at Chelsea under Thomas Tuchel, or indeed whether he will be sent out on another temporary move. One surprise option though could potentially be a switch to Serie A with previous reports suggesting that both Inter Milan and Juventus are scouting him.
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However, former Premier League striker Glenn Murray has said that he could be in contention at Stamford Bridge next term.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, the former Palace forward said: “I’ve spoken to the hierarchy of Crystal Palace this week and they were cursing how well he was doing at one point because he’s basically just going to price them out of a move.
“He’s basically, Conor Gallagher, irreplaceable. Can I see him leaving Chelsea permanently? No I can’t especially with what’s going on at Chelsea. I think opportunities will probably arise there.
“Can I see him going back to Crystal Palace? Only on a loan capacity to keep progressing with the group. Like I said, I think that group will continue to progress. I’m sure he would like to be part of that because it’s been such a brilliant season for him.
“He’ll have brilliant memories of Selhurst Park and that group there but listen, if he’s going to get an opportunity at Chelsea or what’s been bounded around at the minute that some big, big clubs are watching him, then you’ve got to strike while the iron’s hot.
“You’ve got to make the most of this career. It’s so short and it’s so important you make the right decision at the right time.”
Gallagher, 22, would be set to follow Mason Mount’s example at Chelsea - the midfielder breaking through at Stamford Bridge during their previous transfer embargo. The academy graduate is now firmly established as a key first-team player and is apparently worth upwards of £67m according to transfermarkt.
