“In our plans”- Chelsea boss gives his verdict on in-demand midfielder’s future amid West Ham links

Mauricio Pochettino admits that Conor Gallagher is in his plans for Chelsea next season

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has claimed that Conor Gallagher is in his plans for next season but things could change as the midfielder continues to garner interest from Premier League rivals West Ham United.

The Blues turned down the Hammers’ opening bid of £40 million for the midfielder. Chelsea are demanding £45 million ($58 million) for the 23-year-old, earning themselves a cool price for a player who is far from a first-XI regular. Given that the Hammers recently sold Declan Rice for a princely price, we have every reason to hold out for the fee.

However, the England international wants to remain at the club and is willing to fight for his spot. Chelsea are also in the market for the midfielder as they look to replace Mason Mount, Matero Kovacic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and N’Golo Kante.

Other young midfielders such as Cesare Casadei, Carney Chukwuemeka, and Andrey Santos could be sent on loan, although it will be Pochettino’s decision after the end of the pre-season. Surely Gallagher will not be allowed to leave on loan and will be privy to a permanent transfer or will stay put.

Asked during the press conference if Chelsea needs to sign another midfielder and if the 23-year-old will be sold in the summer window, (h/t Daily Mail) the Argentine manager said:

“We need at least one more and we are working on that. It depends on what happens in the next few weeks. We will decide and take our decision. ‘Conor is in our plans; I was talking with him the first day I arrived. In football, things can happen that we cannot manage. At the moment, I am happy with him and his performance; he has two years on his contract. We have nothing to say.”

Selling him only makes sense if we are not adding other top-notch midfielders. Under Pochettino, Gallagher is willing to prove himself, and the manager may consider giving him an opportunity. However, if we can bring in an improvement, it is imperative we take the opportunity with both hands.

But despite the fact that the new season will begin in a few weeks, we have yet to sign a midfielder. If we do not do so soon, we risk suffering the same fate as we did last year when players like Kante, Mason, and Kovacic were sidelined and our midfield was overpowered by opponents frequently.

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Given that we also lack a defensive midfielder, we must move quickly. Using youngsters won’t be a wise decision because it is debatable if they are ready to challenge rivals who have strengthened this summer.