Conor Gallagher has been firmly linked with a move away from Chelsea this summer, but the latest word from his manager, Mauricio Pochettino, suggests the player may actually stay at Stamford Bridge.
Pochettino has inherited a bloated squad at Chelsea, and with the side spending big over the last 12 months there is a need to balance the books.
Just last week, it seemed Gallagher would be one of the players to make way, after it was revealed he had been offered around to other clubs this summer (Evening Standard).
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JULY 22: Conor Gallagher #23 of Chelsea directs his team during the first half of the pre season friendly match against the Brighton & Hove Albion at Lincoln Financial Field on July 22, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Journalist Jacob Steinberg claimed West Ham had seen an initial offer of £37m plus add-ons rejected by Chelsea and it seemed the Hammers were not going to increase their bid for the 23-year-old.
Just today, we have seen varying reports on the race for Gallagher’s signature. The Evening Standard state West Ham ‘remain confident’ of landing the England international, while the Telegraph puts Tottenham in the driving seat when it comes to signing Gallagher.
Conor Gallagher is in Pochettino’s plans
Now, things have gotten even more confusing as Mauricio Pochettino has stated Gallagher is part of his ‘plans’ at Stamford Bridge.
Pochettino said (via Fabrizio Romano): “Gallagher is in our plans. In football things happen we can’t manage but I am happy with him.”
On the club’s desire to sign more midfielders, Pochettino added: “At least we need one more. We are working on that. Depends what happens in the next few weeks. The club is working on that.”
Pochettino: “Gallagher is in our plans. In football things happen we can't manage but I am happy with him”. 🔵 #CFC
New midfielders? “At least we need one more. We are working on that. Depends what happens in the next few weeks. The club is working on that”. pic.twitter.com/rGJIKiGUKJ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 26, 2023
Spurs Web Opinion
We already knew that Pochettino was a fan of Gallagher, but it still seemed likely that the decision to sell the midfielder was out of the manager’s hands.
However, the fact that he is now saying Gallagher is in his plans suggests he intends to work with him in the coming season.
This situation is becoming a real merry-go-round, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see Spurs back out and avoid the drama.
Have something to tell us about this article?
