Crystal Palace remain interested in securing a deal for Chelsea playmaker Conor Gallagher and will “make one final bid” to land him before the January transfer window comes to a close.
According to the British tabloid The Sun, Crystal Palace are not ready to give up on their long-running pursuit of Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher and plan to make a bid in the January transfer window to try to prise him away from their cross-London rivals.
Gallagher spent a successful loan spell last season with Patrick Vieira’s side in a very formative year for the youngster. The Englishman enjoyed the best season of his career at Selhurst Park, contributing eight goals and three assists in 34 Premier League appearances.
And that production only tells half the story of his big influence, as his clutch goals, tenacity, and infectious work rate immediately won the hearts of many Crystal Palace supporters in south London. Since then, Palace are struggling to shake off the desire to land him permanently and keep coming back for Gallagher every now and again.
The South London outfit even launched a £27 million bid for the Englishman last summer, but the move failed to materialize, which has left a gaping hole in their midfield since they have not yet signed anyone to fill his role from last season, meaning they would do well to go back in for him if he becomes available.
While Gallagher has a special attachment to his boyhood club and is thought to be keen on giving his Blues career every possible chance, Chelsea do not appear to be the right fit for him at present.
Many Chelsea supporters had expected that upon returning to Stamford Bridge last summer, Gallagher would be able to play a pivotal role in the Blues’ side moving forward, but that has not proven to be the case.
The 22-year-old has started just twelve games in all competitions this season and has struggled to find his feet under Graham Potter, scoring just one goal and providing one assist.
And with the Blues seeking to splash even more cash on highly-rated central midfield prodigies in the form of Andrey Santos, Cesare Casadei, and Carney Chukwuemeka, a move away looks to be the best possible solution for the England international’s progress, with Palace reportedly hoping to capitalise on this situation.
Patrick Vieira will be feeling relatively nonchalant about Crystal Palace’s start in the Premier League, with the team picking up 23 points from their first half of the season, currently 12th in the table, but it is clear that there are some problems that need the manager’s attention.
The Eagles are desperately crying out for some more creativity and goals from the middle of the park. Having managed only 17 league goals so far this season, the joint third-worst offensive record in the division, they could certainly benefit from some spark.
Gallagher truly lit up Selhurst Park during his loan spell and could be the difference in quality needed in the central role that could inspire better performances from the team in the second half of the season.
It remains to be seen if the 22-year-old changes his original stance of staying put at Stamford Bridge in favour of a more sensible move to Palace.
