Mauricio Pochettino insisted Conor Gallagher remains ‘in our plans’ amid speculation the midfielder might depart Chelsea this summer.
Mauricio Pochettino continues to find the best style before the Premier League season begins after mixed results during their pre-season tour so far in the US. The Blues are yet to decide on their final squad for the upcoming Premier League season, as there’s a growing possibility of heavy transfer activity in the remainder of the window.
The prime focus remains in the midfield area, where Chelsea have allowed many players to leave in the close season. There’s immense pressure on Pochettino and the club to get the balance right before the season begins. For now, the options are far, and few, with only Enzo Fernandez guaranteed a place there.
Moises Caicedo remains the primary target for Chelsea, but so far, they have not found a breakthrough with Brighton. The Seagulls continue to hold out for £100 million, which could have a slim chance of scuppering the deal.
The recent focus has been on Conor Gallagher, with Chelsea rejecting a £40 million bid from West Ham United. David Moyes had many options on his shortlist to replace Declan Rice but chose to make a solid bid for the Chelsea star.
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
Chelsea had reportedly indicated they were open to doing business at £50 million as per a few stories, but nothing’s confirmed about it. However, Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed that the £40 million ace remains part of their plans for the new campaign. However, in Fabrizio Romano’s tweet, his comments fell short of confirming he will not get sold.
Pochettino said, “Gallagher is in our plans. In football, things happen we can’t manage, but I am happy with him”.
“New midfielders? “At least we need one more. We are working on that. Depends on what happens in the next few weeks. The club is working on that”.
Pochettino rates Gallagher, although there are concerns that Chelsea may sell him if a bigger offer comes in. One big reason would circle the midfielder’s homegrown status, as a sale will represent total profit for the clubs.
Apart from West Ham, Tottenham are also showing an interest. However, Chelsea’s bitter rivalry with Spurs may see the club n ot entertaining the overtures of their London neighbours for Gallagher or anyone else.
However, any move for the midfielder will depend on Chelsea’s ability to reinforce their midfield. In truth, only Caicedo won’t prove enough to sustain an entire season. Their other players, like Carney Chukwuemeka, lack the necessary experience in the top flight, which could see the Blues retain Gallagher.
