Chelsea are identifying three midfielders for the summer transfer shortlist. In parallel, the London-based side examining the possibility of selling one of their prospective midfielders Conor Gallagher this summer. The 24-year-old is undergoing medical treatment due to his illness, causing him to miss the Newcastle game at Stamford Bridge.
Gallagher is planned to stay for another season in Chelsea until June 2025 as written on his contract. But Chelsea are reported to have found his replacement sooner than expected. Reports suggested that The Blues put in a bid of £40 million for the Surrey native.
Eddie Howe’s press conference ahead of Newcastle’s Premier League clash against Chelsea
Chelsea Transfer News: the club hold talks over Conor Gallagher’s contract extension
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino admitted that Gallagher’s contract talk is not his jurisdiction. The Argentinian coach said that it was up to the club and the player’s representative to discuss.
“That is about two parts that need to be agreed and I cannot be involved in this,” he added. “It’s only between the club and Conor that can make the deal. I am the coach that needs to be in my place. I cannot say nothing.”
Reports also suggested that such a price was prepared to sign Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimares. The Rio-born are doing well under the supervision of Eddie Howe with The Magpies this season, scoring three league goals from 26 games.
Newcastle are authorized for Guimares’ employment until the summer of 2028. His £68 million price tag would not cause any problem for Chelsea who have a reputation of spending big every summer. The Toon’s current manager Eddie Howe was also happy with the quality Guimaraes brought to the team.
“When we can get him the ball higher up the pitch he has undoubted quality,” said Howe when Guimaraes scored a brace in Newcastle’s win over Nottingham Forest last month. “It’s always a difficult balance for me, especially with only three recognized midfielders. We’re trying to find the right balance for those three players.
“I think, like all players this season, he’s had moments where he’s been the difference-maker for us and there have been moments when games have been more difficult.”
Chelsea Transfer News: Frenkie De Jong is also on the hit list
Apart from Guimares, Chelsea also set eyes on Barcelona’s Frenkie De Jong and PSG’s Vitinha. Both players are still under contract with respective clubs until 2026 and 2027. Barcelona are looking for alternatives in their midfield following De Jong’s injury. Meanwhile, Vitinha’s situation is a little bit tough for The Blues as the Portuguese seem to be Luis Enrique’s top pick recently, scoring five goals out of 23 league games.