Chelsea are waiting to see how Christopher Nkunku and Romeo Lavia perform before deciding on Conor Gallagher’s new contract, according to reports. The Blues will judge how the two summer signings fit into their team once they return to full fitness.
Nkunku and Lavia are yet to make their first-team debuts for Chelsea. France star Nkunku arrived from RB Leipzig in the summer for a fee worth £52million.
He featured in pre-season before suffering a knee injury which required an operation before the start of the new campaign. Lavia joined Chelsea later in the window from Championship side Southampton, arriving with a muscle problem.
The £58m midfielder suffered a setback in his rehab when he sustained an ankle injury in September which has continued to keep him on the sidelines. Mauricio Pochettino has had to fill their void and Gallagher has benefited.
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The England international has started every Premier League match so far this season and has captained the Blues on occasions. His contract expires in the summer of 2025 and a decision will soon need to be made on his future.
But according to Si Phillips Talks Chelsea, that won’t happen for a while yet. The report claims Chelsea are waiting for Nkunku and Lavia to return to fitness.
Once they do, Pochettino will have a better idea of his best starting XI. Nkunku is an attacking midfielder capable of playing up front, while Lavia is a more defensive-minded player.
Gallagher is capable of playing both roles and has attracted praise for his performances this term. But the report says there have been no advancements in contract talks with the 23-year-old.
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Chelsea’s stance on Gallagher’s future perhaps should not be a surprise as they were willing to sell him as recently as the summer deadline day. London rivals Tottenham were interested in a late deal but were put off by his £50m asking price.
Gallagher has done his valuation no harm so far this season. However, his price will also decrease as his contract runs towards a conclusion.
Speaking last month, Pochettino insisted he was happy with Gallagher but said all parties must be on the same path when it comes to new contract talks. He said: “First of all, you have to see how they feel, in this case the player and the club, the intentions of either side. It’s about feeling good together.
“He’s a player who is doing fantastically. He’s an amazing player and we are so happy with how he is doing things.”
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