Could Aston Villa move for Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher?
Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher could be had for a fee of £30 million if Thomas Tuchel feels the England international is unable to contribute regularly to his squad this season.
Aston Villa have been linked with Gallagher this week after Tuchel said the future of the 22 year old and teammate Armando Broja will be decided in pre-season.
“It is heavily up to [them],” the German said, “and how they do.”
Gallagher spent the entirety of the 2021/22 season on loan at Crystal Palace, where he tallied eight goals and three assists in 34 matches. He made his senior England debut on November 15 and was named Palace’s Player of the Year.
Villa, who reportedly have “in excess of £50m to spend this summer,” could kick the tires on a potential Gallagher deal as manager Steven Gerrard looks to bolster his midfield.
Defensive pivot Boubacar Kamara arrived at Villa on a free transfer earlier this month but the uncertain futures of Carney Chukwuemeka, Morgan Sanson, and Douglas Luiz could prompt the Birmingham side to splash for one of England’s brightest young talents.
If Gallagher or Chelsea feel the midfielder is unable to contribute regular this season, both could be motivated to move on.
Gallagher, now with four England caps, will want regular playing time to best position himself for World Cup call up. He could force a move–permanent or loan–in order to do so.
Additionally, Chelsea may see this as a good opportunity to cash in on Gallagher. He’s a wanted man following a strong season at Palace; if he’s not in Tuchel’s plans they could fetch a pretty penny for his transfer.
Enter Villa, who are an attractive project and an opportunity for regular minutes. He would walk right into Gerrard’s starting XI and makes Villa a better team overnight.
And if the reported £30 million price-point is accurate, the move is a no-brainer.
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