Mauricio Pochettino has reiterated that Conor Gallagher is keen to remain at Chelsea.
Although Gallagher endured a mixed first season representing the Blues, he has since become an integral figure under Pochettino in 2023-24.
A total of 29 starts and three substitute outings have been made this campaign, Gallagher recently chipping in with his first three goals of the season.
After netting the opener in a 3-1 victory over Aston Villa in the FA Cup last week, the England international scored twice as Chelsea overcame Crystal Palace by the same scoreline in the Premier League on Monday night.
Having missed just the one top-flight fixture under Pochettino, Gallagher is viewed as a key man, yet his long-term future remains a topic for debate.
With less than 18 months remaining on his contract, co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital are open to selling Gallagher to significantly boost the club's position with FFP.
That scenario has realistically become more necessary due to Trevoh Chalobah and Armando Broja not being sold in January, and speculation will persist as long as Gallagher does not pen a new long-term contract.
As it stands, that appears unlikely, yet Pochettino has acknowledged to reporters that the 23-year-old would prefer to continue his career with his boyhood club.
Pochettino said, as quoted by the Daily Mail: "What he told me was to stay at Chelsea, but then it's about him and the club.
"I'm not suffering with this type of thing, he still has one year more on his contract. I think it is a matter for him and the club."
Chelsea will currently need to act swiftly in the transfer market when the summer window opens in June, a consequence of needing to balance the books by June 30.
They faced the same scenario last year, but other clubs may find themselves in similar situations this time around due to the greater restrictions placed on respective FFP matters.
Gallagher has made a total of 77 appearances for Chelsea since August 2022, contributing six goals and seven assists during those outings. body check tags ::
