Chelsea are having a rethink regarding the future of midfielder Conor Gallagher, according to the Guardian.
The Blues were keen on selling the 24-year-old to balance their books amid fears over the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules.
Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur were linked with Gallagher, but Chelsea are considering keeping him.
Gallagher is a boyhood Chelsea fan and popular with the supporters, and recent developments suggest they are now actively trying to agree a contract extension.
His current deal expires next year. However, the midfielder wants to stay at his boyhood club, and Chelsea’s openness to resuming contract talks indicates a potential shift in stance.
Chelsea reportedly slapped a £50m price tag on the Epsom-born star and even considered the possibility of a swap deal with Villa involving Colombian striker Jhon Duran.
However, no concrete offers have been made to Gallagher, and serious negotiations are likely on hold until after the 2024 European Championship, where Gallagher will represent England.
The midfielder reportedly wants to wait and won’t be rushed into a move that doesn’t suit him.
This potential U-turn on Gallagher is a welcome sign for Chelsea supporters.
Gallagher was a standout performer last season, bagging seven goals and nine assists in 50 appearances.
His energy and improvement were a bright spot in an otherwise inconsistent campaign.
While Mason Mount, Kai Havertz and Mateo Kovacic jumped ship amid the Stamford Bridge turmoil, Gallagher has constantly reiterated his desire to stay.
Tying him down to a new deal would provide much-needed stability and continuity for the Blues, who cannot afford to lose his presence in midfield.
