Chelsea are considering offering a new contract to their 23-year-old midfielder Conor Gallagher amidst strong interest from West Ham United.
According to Dharmesh Sheth via GIVEMESPORT, West Ham United have suffered a huge blow in their pursuit of Conor Gallagher. The Hammers are keen on reinforcing their midfield after the departure of their skipper Declan Rice.
They have been pushing hard for the signatures of the 23-year-old Chelsea midfielder for a while now. But, according to Sheth, the Blues are considering offering him a new deal to end all the speculation surrounding his future.
While Chelsea are thinking about offering him a new deal, a move away from his childhood club in the ongoing transfer window still can’t be ruled out.
Sheth on Gallagher’s future: “West Ham United are definitely interested in him. He’s played a big role, though, in pre-season for Chelsea. He played in both of their opening two games and scored in their matches as well.
“He’s got two years left on his contract. I’m told that Chelsea are open to extending his contract, but I don’t think you can rule out a departure.”
Gallagher has been a part of Chelsea since his childhood days. He has come up the ranks at the club and was promoted to their first team ahead of the 2022-23 season. The 23-year-old midfielder broke onto the scene after an impressive loan spell at Crystal Palace during the 2021-22 season.
His exceptional performances resulted in a lot of interest in the England international’s services but the Blues decided against selling him. And, he ended up playing an important role in their first team last season. The 23-year-old featured in a total of 45 matches and was on the pitch for over 2,000 minutes.
Despite having played an important role last season, his future has been uncertain for a while. Meanwhile, West Ham are pushing very hard for his signatures. They recently had a £40 million bid rejected for the 23-year-old. According to the report, the Blues value him at around £50 million and might accept a fee in that region.
Rice’s departure has left a huge void in the centre of the park and the Hammers believe Gallagher could help them fill it. As a result, they are expected to push again for the 23-year-old who still has two years remaining on his £50,000-per-week contract.
While the Hammers are still interested and the report suggests that a move in the ongoing window cannot be ruled out, the Blues are thinking about offering him a new deal to end all the speculations. He is in the plans of their new manager Mauricio Pochettino and is keen on staying at his childhood club. As a result, West Ham have a difficult task of striking a deal for his services.
