Mauricio Pochettino wants Chelsea to rethink their plans to sell Conor Gallagher and feels the midfielder can be one of four ‘instrumental’ players for him, according to reports. The 23-year-old has been something of a bit-part player at Stamford Bridge this season, only starting 15 times in the Premier League – though he has bagged three goals. Gallagher enjoyed an excellent campaign on loan at Crystal Palace last season and had returned to west London under the promise of more regular game time back at Chelsea. That has not happened, however, and his place is under further threat with the Blues thought to be targeting midfield reinforcements in the summer window, with the likes of Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo both on their wish list. Chelsea have been widely expected to cash in on Gallagher, who has plenty of admirers around the Premier League and was even the subject of a £45million bid from Everton in January.
But, despite needing to raise funds and cull a bloated squad, The Evening Standard are reporting that Pochettino does not want to lose Gallagher and will block his departure. The Argentine has identified the midfielder as one of four players who could be ‘instrumental’ to his project, along with contract rebel Mason Mount, centre-back Levi Colwill and full-back Reece James. Pochettino wants to build his new-look Chelsea side around a core of young, homegrown, academy products – much as he did at Tottenham with the likes of Harry Kane, Andros Townsend and Ryan Mason in the early years of his reign.
For his part, Gallagher was open to leaving Chelsea in search of a regular starting role elsewhere but would be happy to stay and fight for his place at Stamford Bridge under a manager who trusts him. Pochettino could have a harder time convincing Mount to stay at the club, however, while Chelsea are conscious of the fact he only has one year left on his contract. If the 24-year-old refuses to sign an extension, Chelsea may be forced to cash in now rather than risk losing him for nothing irrespective of Pochettino’s desire to make him a key player. In addition to signing at least one new central midfielder, Pochettino is also thought to be targeting a new proven goalscorer to lead the attack as well as a new goalkeeper.