Sources: Conor Gallagher, a standout for Chelsea, wants a 200% pay raise as Tottenham plots
Chelsea’s January transfer window will be bustling, but the major emphasis will be on outgoings.
Armando Broja is still a potential departure, and Fulham is a team to keep an eye on. This month, Marco Silva is reportedly very interested in signing a striker, while Fulham is reportedly thinking about borrowing one.
Chelsea wants a permanent agreement in any transaction, and many sources believe they will press for it. The club subsequently softened their position with Dortmund, as was the case with Ian Maatsen. However, it seems the plan with Broja will be to attempt to obtain a fee through a straight transfer or loan with obligation.
While there are stories suggesting Chelsea is willing to accept offers over £50 million, my understanding is that offers starting at £35 million will be considered.
Broja is also liked by Aston Villa, but they haven’t contacted him yet. While Wolves have looked into Broja as well, they now believe the cost is too high. West Ham has a history of interest and made a £33 million bid in the summer of 2022, so they can’t be completely ruled out.
Chelsea may accept Conor Gallagher’s £60 million offer.
Though less plausible than Broja, a Conor Gallagher exit during this window cannot be completely ruled out. It is Chelsea policy to evaluate bids for players with less than two years remaining on their deal. It will cost at least £45 million, and some reports even suggest Chelsea may accept a package worth closer to £60 million when bonuses are taken into account.
Despite being one of Chelsea’s best players this season, Gallagher is still no closer to a new contract. In addition, he would anticipate earning approximately £150,000 per week upon any extension, which presents another challenge given that Spotrac indicates he presently makes £50,000 per week.
Gallagher would ideally like to stay this season, according to sources, especially with a League Cup Final against Liverpool coming up in February. However, the possibility that Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez may start that match in Gallagher’s stead helps to explain why Chelsea may be considering trying to cash in.
Comparing Conor Gallagher to Tottenham’s midfield players.
Although Spurs haven’t placed a second bid on Gallagher or even initiated formal negotiations, they still have the potential to give us some excitement in the last few days of the transfer window if Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg leaves.
Gallagher was rated by Spurs at around £35 million last summer, and if they decide to move, they will need to make a far larger offer to have a chance.
Pochettino is still thinking about signing a late striker.
Chelsea is considering additions as well, but only if the correct player steps forward. Jhon Duran, a striker for Villa, was explored internally, but no move was taken. Moreover, the Colombian’s hamstring is hurt right now.
Though he won’t move midseason, Benjamin Sesko of Leipzig is still highly regarded. And despite trying for the player last summer, it doesn’t seem Chelsea will attempt to sabotage Spurs’ early negotiations for Club Brugge’s Antonio Nusa.
Chelsea finds Karim Benzema’s pay offensive, and neither the Ministry of Sport nor Al-Ittihad’s Saudi dealmakers have given their approval for him to depart for Europe just yet.
Callum Wilson may be available for £18–20 million, but Newcastle sources continue to maintain that he is not for sale. Chelsea has been made aware of this. This just goes to demonstrate that Newcastle might have to let go of a player they would rather keep. Though Chelsea hasn’t made an offer for Wilson yet, a lot may happen in the last few days of the transfer season.
All of this demonstrates Chelsea’s deliberate exploration of several prospects without any immediate plans to make a big purchase. Furthermore, a lot of attention is already being paid to the summer, when a great player like Victor Osimhen—a key target for Chelsea—is anticipated to become available.
Chelsea’s restraint in the transfer market thus far ind
icates that they believe Christopher Nkunku, who is back in full training, can contribute in the second half of the season.
