Jason Cundy believes that Tottenham target Conor Gallagher will depart Chelsea this summer after the club’s decision to part ways with Mauricio Pochettino.
Gallagher was one of the first names on the Chelsea teamsheet under Pochettino, with the midfielder even wearing the captain’s armband on a number of occasions through the 2023-24 season.
It has been well documented that the 24-year-old has been near the top of Tottenham’s wishlist for the last 12 months (Fabrizio Romano – GiveMeSport) and with the player now having just a year left on his contract, the Lilywhites might view this summer as the ideal opportunity to get their man.
Several outlets over recent weeks have continued to suggest that the Blues are expected to cash in on the England international early in the window as they need to raise funds before June 30 to avoid falling foul of PSR (The Times).
David Ornstein also reported this week that Aston Villa have made contact with Chelsea over a potential deal to sign Gallagher.
Conor Gallagher seems destined to leave Chelsea this summer
Cundy believes that Pochettino would have been keen to keep hold of Gallagher but insisted that the Argentine did not have a say in the decision.
Talking about the recently departed Chelsea boss’ fondness of the midfielder, the pundit told talkSPORT: “They are Head Coaches now, that’s what it is, that’s the coach that they want. If we want to sell players, then we are going to take players.
“You forget about the other side of it. You concentrate on what you have in the squad and get a team ready for the weekend. That’s what it sounds like.”
When asked if the disagreement over Gallagher’s future was one of the main reasons for Pochettino’s exit, Cundy responded: “Feels like it, doesn’t it? That’s what it feels like, but that’s not a secret. It feels very similar to what we saw last season with Mason Mount. They couldn’t agree a deal.
“I was a little disappointed in both that it fell the way it did. But if you can’t get a deal done and he is worth a lot of money off the books. Something like £60-65 million for Mason.
“I don’t know what Conor is going to go for. But he is a homegrown player and that’s a strategy from the club. He has got an energy about it him. They all play him. Southgate loves him and what he gives you – he must be a joy to have in the squad because you can rely on him.”
Spurs Web Opinion
While it is an open secret that Gallagher is on his way out of Chelsea, I do not think Tottenham fans should be counting the chickens before they hatch. The likelihood is that there will be plenty of competition for the 24-year-old’s services when the transfer window opens.