Conor Gallagher would like to stay at Chelsea but his unclear contract situation could lead to him being sold in the January transfer window, sources have confirmed to 90min.
Gallagher’s deal at Stamford Bridge expires in 2025 and he has been locked in talks over fresh terms for months. The midfielder is keen to tie his long-term future to the Blues and he remains fully committed to the club.
90min understands head coach Mauricio Pochettino is a huge fan of Gallagher, who he has allowed to skipper the team in the absence of captain Reece James and vice-captain Ben Chilwell this season, but his ongoing contract saga could lead to a January sale.
Chelsea remain reluctant to let Gallagher enter the last year-and-a-half of his deal, knowing there’s a risk of having to sell him next summer, likely for a cut-price fee, or that he walks away on a free transfer the year after. But they are no closer to reaching an agreement ahead of the January window.
The 23-year-old was made available in the most recent transfer window amid interest from Brighton & Hove Albion, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United, but the club did not receive an acceptable offer.
Gallagher’s status as a homegrown academy player makes him a stronger financial asset for Chelsea to sell and gives them greater flexibility in the transfer market immediately.
Chelsea would ideally like to sign a new striker in January, with Napoli’s Victor Osimhen their primary target, and a new goalkeeper could also be targeted if Robert Sanchez’s form alarmingly dips over the next few weeks – 90min reported earlier this month that the Blues are looking at Mike Maignan, whose own contract talks with Milan have stalled.
In terms of outgoings, Chelsea are unlikely to sanction other major sales this winter, though fringe players could be cast off given the bloated size of the senior squad.
Chelsea ultimately believe on-field fortunes will improve once Christopher Nkunku, Romeo Lavia and Wesley Fofana return from their respective long-term injuries. Nkunku and Lavia are yet to make their debuts after signing over the summer. However, the club recognise they still need major improvements at either end of the pitch.
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