Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher has confirmed his intentions to remain at Stamford Bridge this season.
The 22-year-old is coming off the back of a successful loan spell at Crystal Palace, with his future previously in doubt.
Making 39 appearances in all competitions while netting eight goals and registering five assists, Gallagher was a key player under Patrick Vieira last season.
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His form saw Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel heap praise on him during the season as he was set to be assessed in pre-season training this summer.
When asked about the returning loanees for the new season, Tuchel admitted: “They come back for a point.
"We have pre-season with them for them to show they can play the role we wish for. They are our players. Whoever takes the place needs to do anything to keep the place."
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Despite this, Gallagher has been linked with a switch away from Chelsea on a permanent basis this summer.
Everton are said to be interested in signing the midfielder, with Frank Lampard a fan of Gallagher.
However, Gallagher has now confirmed his intentions to fight for a place in the Blues midfield this summer.
With N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic, Jorginho and Ruben Loftus-Cheek all struggling for injuries at different points of last season, Chelsea were light in midfield at times.
Kante and Loftus-Cheek have not travelled on the Blues’ pre-season tour of America due to their Covid vaccination status, handing Gallagher a further boost as he looks to impress Tuchel.
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Speaking on his future at the club, via The Daily Mail, Gallagher revealed that he intends to fight for his place at Chelsea this season.
He said: "I told him (Thomas Tuchel) what I thought and he said what he thought. I said I think I’m ready to play for Chelsea. Patrick’s (Vieira) not been sure of my plans for next season. He might find out through this.
“It was 15 or 20 minutes and we both got out of the phone call what we needed. It was clear after that.
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"I feel ready for a step up in my career. If there is a chance to be a part of the team at Chelsea then I can’t turn it down. I’ve got to have belief in myself that I can show the fans and the boss what I can do.”
The midfielder will likely feature for his side against Club America, Charlotte FC and Arsenal during the tour of the United States before returning with the squad to Cobham ahead of the new season.
It remains to be seen as to whether Gallagher can do enough to earn his spot in the Chelsea squad, but the introduction of five substitutes in the Premier League next season will likely see a boost in his minutes at Stamford Bridge.
Topics: Chelsea, Conor Gallagher, Thomas Tuchel, Football, Premier League, Everton, Crystal Palace
Nick Emms