Transfer Centre

Conor Gallagher 'does not intend to change Chelsea stance'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 29 February 2024

Conor Gallagher reportedly has no intention of being forced out of Chelsea, amid speculation that contract talks are not progressing.

Conor Gallagher is reportedly adamant that he will not be forced out of Chelsea during the summer transfer window.

The England international has taken on substantially-more seniority since the arrival of Mauricio Pochettino having been named as third-choice captain.

Although the 24-year-old has not scored as many goals as he would have liked, he netted the winner in the 3-2 victory over Leeds United in the FA Cup fifth round on Wednesday night.

Gallagher has now made 31 starts and four substitute outings in all competitions during 2023-24, with Chelsea generally performing better with him in the team than not on the pitch.

However, the situation remains that Gallagher is a player that co-owner Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital would be prepared to sell if they received a suitable offer.

Chelsea co-owner and chairman Todd Boehly in the stands before the match on August 13, 2023 © Reuters

Despite Gallagher being a key man, selling the academy graduate would ease any immediate concerns regarding the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability regulations.

According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea are becoming increasingly concerned that they will not be able to generate market value for Armando Broja.

While the Albania international was sent out on loan to Fulham to potentially increase his value, he has so far been restricted to two substitute outings, substantially risking his development stagnating.

That has naturally not led to Boehly and Clearlake's desire to part ways with Gallagher weakening and the report indicates that contract negotiations remain stalled.

Chelsea's Conor Gallagher celebrates scoring their third goal with Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer on February 28, 2024 © Reuters

Nevertheless, Gallagher is fully committed to trying to win over the club's hierarchy and is against leaving Chelsea in the summer, just one year into the project under Pochettino.

Gallagher has allegedly not given any serious thought to leaving his boyhood club for another team when his terms run until the end of 2024-25.

Tottenham Hotspur have consistently been linked with a move for Gallagher, yet it appears highly unlikely that he would leave for another London club given his loyalty to Chelsea.

Theoretically, that may force Chelsea's hand regarding a contract, with the club not in a position where they can afford to allow a player of Gallagher's standing to depart as a free agent.