Chelsea are preparing a new contract offer for midfielder Conor Gallagher to reward his rise to the first-team over the past year, reports the Sun. The Cobham academy graduate is currently contracted until summer 2025 and impressed last season on loan with Crystal Palace.
The 22-year-old managed to score eight goals for the Eagles, impressing enough to earn a call-up to the England squad in that spell. His return to Stamford Bridge brought about plenty of uncertainty over his role, but he has been given opportunities to make appearances so far.
That's despite a whole raft of new signings at the club as over £600million has been spent in the past two windows, with £106million of that paid out to sign Enzo Fernandez from Benfica to play in the midfield. For Gallagher, the new deal could come as a reward for his breakthrough as well as tying him down for longer.
READ MORE: Enzo Fernandez hands Chelsea dream £200m midfield pairing after major Declan Rice claim
It also backs a huge decision made in the January transfer window, where plenty of interest from other Premier League clubs was shown in Gallagher. His importance to Graham Potter as a squad member is clear though and the rejection of such approaches outlines just that.
"I really like Conor [Gallagher]," Potter said earlier this season on the midfield. "He’s a fantastic kid, first of all, who trains well every day and he’s desperate to do well, he’s desperate to play for Chelsea and he’s desperate to be successful here. So that’s a great starting point."
It remains to be seen whether the midfielder will renew his terms with the club or if another option will be pursued. However, he won't be short of suitors if things don't go to plan.
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