Chelsea reluctant to let starlet leave on permanent transfer amid PL interest

Chelsea not willing to let Conor Gallagher leave permanently

According to the Daily Mail, Leeds United are keen on signing Chelsea youngster Conor Gallagher on a permanent deal this summer. However, the Blues are reluctant to let the starlet leave on a permanent basis.

The 20-year-old Gallagher has been on the books of the club since 2008 and has progressed well through the youth ranks.

Gallagher grew up admiring Frank Lampard
Conor Gallagher is an exciting prospect

Having impressed with the Chelsea U23s in the 2018/19 campaign, he was loaned out to Championship outfit Charlton Athletic for the first half of the 2019/20 season. He spent the second half at Swansea City, where he played a key role in their playoff finish.

In total, Gallagher racked up 47 appearances across all competitions for Charlton and Swansea combined. The Englishman produced an impressive return of six goals and eleven assists.

In spite of him making a solid impression on loan, Gallagher is unlikely to get a lot of first-team action at Chelsea this season, considering the signings of Hakim Ziyech and Kai Havertz.

Naturally, a number of clubs have lined up to sign him, with Leeds United keen on signing the Englishman permanently. However, Chelsea are not keen on letting him leave on a permanent transfer this summer as manager Frank Lampard rates him very highly. (h/t Daily Mail)

Gallagher spent the second half of 2019/20 on loan at Swansea
Gallagher spent the first half of 2019/20 on loan at Charlton Athletic

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Apart from Leeds, there is also interest from West Bromwich Albion and Aston Villa, both of whom only want Gallagher on loan. (h/t Daily Mail)

At the moment, a temporary deal looks the likeliest and best possible option for Gallagher and Chelsea. It is claimed that the club will get him to sign a new contract before loaning out for the 2020/21 season.