There is an expectation that Conor Gallagher will depart Chelsea this summer, football.london understands. The Blues midfielder is subject to interest from the likes of Newcastle United and West Ham amid what is expected to be a high turnover summer at Stamford Bridge.
The 23-year-old was subject to transfer interest in January, with Everton making a late bid in excess of £40million, after Newcastle and Crystal Palace sounded Chelsea out over a possible loan. Graham Potter was keen to keep the midfielder however, with Gallagher unattracted by a move to the Toffees and happy to remain in west London provided he had the opportunity to play. Liverpool are also said to hold an interest.
Already this summer Mateo Kovacic, N'Golo Kante and Ruben Loftus-Cheek appear to have made ground in departing Chelsea with the latter appearing to say goodbye to supporters on the final day of the season. Kante's deal will expire at the end of the month and a move to Saudi Arabia seems likely too.
In the opposite direction the Blues have started talks with relegated Southampton over Romeo Lavia and have ambitions of signing Moises Caicedo, with the club prioritising midfield reinforcement following the arrival of Enzo Fernandez in January. Andrey Santos is also set to join up with the squad for pre-season when his loan comes to a close at the end of the month.
Gallagher made 45 appearances for Chelsea in 2022/23 and added three goals and assist in a season where the Blues struggled under multiple managers. The former Crystal Palace and West Brom loanee missed just three Premier League matches and became a consistent presence in Chelsea's starting lineup under Frank Lampard.
That came as the caretaker boss questioned his team's capacity and fitness to compete in matches, with Gallagher's work-rate being evident throughout the season and relied upon by Lampard. The midfielder earned the club's goal of season award for his strike against Palace in the early stages of Potter's time in charge, in a rare highlight of the Blues' season.
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Gallagher is yet to speak with Mauricio Pochettino ahead of his arrival as Chelsea boss over any potential role in the team moving forward. Chelsea are keen to trim down their squad with issues having arisen as a result of more than 30 players recognised in the senior squad.
Reports suggest that Chelsea value Gallagher at £50million but Newcastle consider him worth less than half of that figure. The Magpies are expected to be constrained by Financial Fair Play though they will have been buoyed by their Champions League qualification.
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