Chelsea is currently formulating a plan to retain Conor Gallagher, but they are open to considering offers totaling £60 million.
Gallagher’s contract with Stamford Bridge is set to expire in the summer of 2025, and negotiations for a new deal have yet to make significant progress. Sources have confirmed that Chelsea, following their club policy, is willing to entertain bids for the midfielder since he has less than 18 months left on his contract, aiming to avoid the risk of losing him for a reduced fee or on a free transfer. This approach aligns with the strategy used for Mason Mount, who was eventually sold to Manchester United.
Chelsea would be open to offers featuring an upfront payment of £45 million, with the total package ranging between £55 million and £60 million. This valuation has proven to be a deterrent for interested clubs like Tottenham Hotspur, who were discouraged from pursuing Gallagher in the summer after realizing that their planned £35 million offer fell significantly short of Chelsea’s valuation. Despite rumors across Europe, there are currently no ongoing talks between Spurs and Chelsea regarding a January deal for Gallagher.
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Head coach Mauricio Pochettino is keen on retaining Gallagher for various reasons. The English international has consistently performed well for Chelsea throughout the season, even captaining the team 13 times in the absence of Reece James and Ben Chilwell.
Pochettino, who signed with Chelsea in May 2023 on an initial two-year contract with the option for a third, agreed to a scheduled appraisal the following summer to evaluate the season’s progress. This planned review reflects the ownership’s intention to reserve judgment on the manager as the project evolves through the initial four-window plan leading up to summer 2024. Currently sitting tenth in the Premier League table, Pochettino recognizes that keeping Gallagher would be beneficial for both his and Chelsea’s short-term prospects.
Contrary to reports suggesting an increased role for Pochettino in Chelsea’s transfer setup, sources indicate that he is part of a recruitment team led by sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stuart, with co-director of recruitment and talent Joe Shields also playing a crucial role. Co-owner Behdad Eghbali and chairman Todd Boehly are also involved, with Pochettino having substantial input but not necessarily a veto on player transfers.
Gallagher’s preference is to stay at Chelsea, making it the most likely scenario for January. His inclination to remain could potentially disrupt any transfer, as seen in the summer when he rejected a move to Burnley, despite Chelsea accepting an offer, featuring an obligatory £31.5 million purchase clause for Ian Maatsen.