BREAKING NEWS: As a result of recognising obvious deficiencies in the squad, Mauricio Pochettino is scheduled to engage in transfer negotiations with the Chelsea board
Conor Gallagher has become an extremely important player for Mauricio Pochettino this season despite nearly leaving Chelsea in the summer. London rivals Tottenham were interested in acquiring his signature while fellow Premier League sides Newcastle and Everton were also previously keen on the midfielder, with Gallagher close to joining the latter in January earlier this year.
Since the arrival of Pochettino, Gallagher has been handed and excelled in a number of roles, with the absence of Reece James and Ben Chilwell resulting in him being named captain for a number of fixtures. Gallagher has started every league game this campaign, often joining Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez to form a midfield trio.
With the two £100million-plus players arriving in the last nine months, both in Gallagher’s favoured position, the 23-year-old admitted he was fearful of losing his place in the team. But instead the duo joining spurred him on more to impress Pochettino.
“Of course, I would be lying if I said I wasn’t,” he admitted to The Telegraph when asked if he was worried about his place being taken. “When top players come in your position, you think you have less of a chance of playing as much as I’d like. It makes me even more determined to prove to the manager why you are good enough to be playing as well. I think I have done that this season.
“There is always going to be competition. It’s what comes with being at a top club like Chelsea, one of the best clubs in the world over the last 20, 25 years. So that’s going to happen. In a way I was excited. But I needed to make sure I was ready to show the manager I was still good enough to play in this team.”
And Gallagher has certainly thus far proven he is capable of leading Chelsea into their new era with Pochettino making a firm transfer decision. According to a report by The Telegraph, Pochettino will not consider any bids for the England international in the January transfer window and instead wants to see him sign a new deal at Stamford Bridge.
Given his current standing in the squad, that extension stance has been reflected by Gallagher himself with his current deal to expire in 2025. “I’m sure that will get sorted out, everyone knows Chelsea is my club and I love playing for them,” he added on his contract situation.
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