Crystal Palace have reportedly tabled an opening bid of £27 million for Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher.
According to The Times, Premier League club Crystal Palace have made their move to land Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher before the summer transfer window shuts down.
The English international spent the 2021/22 campaign on loan at Selhurst Park, amassing 39 appearances across all competitions, scoring eight goals and providing five assists in the process. Gallagher’s performances saw him claim the Crystal Palace Player of the Season gong earlier this year.
Patrick Vieira’s side have immense potential but lack a midfield general capable of helping them gain the upper hand in the middle of the park. This lack of control was exposed at both Anfield and the Etihad despite the Eagles taking the lead.
The 22-year-old has a deal with Chelsea until 2025. Gallagher was sent off last weekend against Leicester City, and what that does to his prospects in the coming weeks remains to be seen. Crystal Palace are keen to sign the player on a permanent deal and have submitted a bid worth £27 million.
Vieira, a midfielder in his playing career, knows full well the importance of having a player such as Gallagher in the squad. The Crystal Palace boss shares a close relationship with the 22-year-old, and could help him fulfil his potential. The Chelsea midfielder is experienced for his age and can get much better with the proper guidance.
With the 2022 FIFA World Cup set to take place later this year, Gallagher will be well served to seek regular playtime, something that is far from guaranteed at Chelsea. Continuing from where he left off at Selhurst Park by rejoining Crystal Palace will leave him with a good shout of catching Gareth Southgate’s attention.
A central midfielder is on the agenda at Crystal Palace this summer, and with just days left in the transfer window, they have to act now. Leicester City star Boubakary Soumare is another player on their shortlist, but Gallagher is a better option.
The Chelsea midfielder is not just much ahead of Soumare in his development cycle but is also a more refined player who is a better fit for English football. Signing Gallagher could make a massive difference in where Crystal Palace eventually end up this season.