Chelsea players are now of the opinion that they do not want teammate Conor Gallagher to be sold during this transfer window.
Reports have continued to link the 23-year-old with a move away from the club, claiming that there are some upstairs at the club who are ready to cash in on him.
This seems to be the direct opposite opinion of manager Mauricio Pochettino, who has called upon the England international frequently as his captain on the pitch.
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From the outside, the situation is a mess, and this is an opinion also held by HITC Football insider Graeme Bailey, who The Chelsea Chronicle spoke to about the Gallagher saga that continues to play out.
He said: “I think Conor Gallagher’s situation is transcending the whole club and it sums up the situation Chelsea are in. It’s just an absolute mess.
Chelsea players do not want Gallagher to be sold
“When you’ve got someone of Pochettino’s stature who wants him to stay, has given him the captain’s armband and started him every week. Chelsea have got a chance to build a team not dissimilar to Alex Ferguson’s United days, with a heart of Colwill, James and Gallagher.
“The squad have noticed this as well. They want him to stay. They recognise how important he is. There is obviously someone higher up pushing back. The situation then is, and we believe this is Behdad Eghbali, what position is he coming from to have an opinion on Conor Gallagher? It’s nonsense.”
Chelsea supporters may be getting a feeling of Deja vu after watching something similar play out with Mason Mount last year. However, Bailey has shared why there is a difference between the two situations.
He said: “This is why it’s different to Mason Mount – Gallagher wants to stay. He’s only got two years left on his deal because the club haven’t pushed through his new contract. He’d sign it tomorrow if it was there.
When looking at the sides interested in a deal, Tottenham have been the ones who have been linked the most with making a move.
However, when pushed Bailey predicted that the situation will eventually come to a close with Gallagher signing a new deal at Stamford Bridge.
He said: “Tottenham are interested, of course they are, he’s a brilliant Premier League footballer. If he goes and it’s for under £40m I’d be amazed. My belief is that he will stay, and he will sign a new contract. I think Pochettino and Gallagher will get their way.”
