Chelsea want £45m for West Ham target Conor Gallagher

West Ham United lost Declan Rice to Arsenal in a £105 million move earlier in the 2023 summer transfer window. 

They have since been looking to bring in reinforcements in midfield but are yet to make a major signing so far. 

One of their main targets is Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher, who is among the best players to have emerged from the Blues’ youth academy. 

The Hammers recently made a £40m bid to sign the 23-year-old but the offer was turned down by Mauricio Pochettino’s side. 

According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea want at least £45m to let the young midfielder leave Stamford Bridge this summer. 

Gallagher was an important member of the first-team squad last season, making 45 appearances across all competitions. He also bagged three goals and provided an assist in 35 Premier League appearances. 

The England international mainly plays in central midfield but he can be used as an attacking and defensive midfielder too. He is highly rated for his tackles, work-rate and blocking ability. 

The 23-year-old still has two years remaining on his current deal at Stamford Bridge. But the Blues reportedly consider him surplus to requirements and are ready to sell him this summer. 

The West Londoners have once again been one of the busiest in the transfer window. They have sold the likes of Kai Havertz, Kalidou Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy and Mateo Kovacic in big money moves. 

Meanwhile, Chelsea have also brought in Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson for £52m and £32m respectively. 

They are aiming to make a big comeback this season under manager Mauricio Pochettino following a disastrous 2022-23 campaign saw them finishing 12th in the Premier League.