Crystal Palace will have to cough up £50 million to secure the services of on-loan Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher.
According to a report from Goal, Chelsea are planning to keep Conor Gallagher at Stamford Bridge next season. The midfielder is highly rated by Thomas Tuchel, who wants to include him in his first-team plans. A host of clubs including Crystal Palace have tried to sign the player permanently, but Chelsea have no intention of selling and are holding out for a hefty €50 million price tag.
Gallagher’s exorbitant valuation wasn’t the only blow for Palace this week as Chelsea have also denied them the opportunity to play the midfielder against the Blues in the upcoming FA Cup semi-final encounter. Chelsea had allowed players like Fikayo Tomori and Mason Mount of Derby to play against them in the past, but the stakes are much higher as Thomas Tuchel looks to land the FA Cup this term.
Chelsea are aware of the fact that Gallagher has been one of the best performers for Palace this season. After joining the club on a season-long loan deal last summer, the Englishman has become an indispensable part of Patrick Vieira’s midfield unit, building a formidable combination alongside Jeffrey Schlupp and Cheikhou Kouyate.
Gallagher has made 26 Premier League appearances this term, scoring eight goals while bagging a couple of assists. His productivity has been vital for the Eagles in their bid to remain at mid-table and avoid the relegation scrap. The midfielder’s fiery performances haven’t been unrewarded, with the player notably earning his England cap in November last year.
It appears Chelsea are now intent on incorporating the youngster into the first-team plans next season, especially amid the uncertain future of Jorginho. The Italian international has been subjected to a potential return to Serie A lately, with Juventus confident of their chances of snapping him up in the summer.
Gallagher, therefore, could prove to be a vital cog in Tuchel’s midfield next season as he looks to follow the footsteps of Mason Mount and Reece James.
His return to Stamford Bridge could be a massive blow for Palace, though the Eagles have already started their search for a replacement. They have been linked with a move for Tottenham’s Harry Winks among many others, as Vieira looks to fill the midfield void in the new season.
