Chelsea 'contact Premier League rivals' over surprise Conor Gallagher replacement
- Gallagher remains available for transfer heading into final contract year
- Midfielder in no rush to leave Stamford Bridge
- Report claims Chelsea identify Fulham star as possible replacement
By Tom Gott
Chelsea have reached out to Fulham's Andreas Pereira as they prepare themselves for the departure of Conor Gallagher, reports in Brazil have claimed.
Gallagher has entered the final 12 months of his contract after failing to agree an extension to date, and is therefore available for transfer. The Blues are looking to match the £55m fee from Mason Mount's sale to Manchester United last summer, but that sum has so far proven too expensive for his suitors.
It's claimed by Globo Esporte in Brazil that Chelsea are already planning for life without Gallagher and have earmarked Fulham's Pereira as their preferred replacement.
Contact is said to have been made with Pereira's agent, Kia Joorabchian, with Chelsea confirming their willingness to pay £35m to sign the Brazil international if they manage to cash in on Gallagher. The outlet claims that it was Joorabchian who confirmed Chelsea's interest directly.
Pereira is believed to be open to leaving Fulham this summer after two impressive seasons and would prioritise a move to Chelsea as it would allow him to remain in London. Former teammate Tosin Adarabioyo made the same move earlier this summer.
Such a move would undoubtedly come as a surprise for a number of reasons.
Chelsea's transfer strategy has been to prioritise the signings of younger players and, although they are believed to have softened that stance somewhat, a move for 28-year-old Pereira would be a real shift away from the current approach.
Questions will also be asked about Pereira's suitability as a replacement for Gallagher, considering the Fulham man's preference to play in a more advanced role in midfield.
Chelsea are in no rush to sell Gallagher and will not agree to a deal if it falls below their asking price, while the academy graduate is also reluctant to accept a move away and is believed to have already rebuffed Aston Villa's attempts to get a deal done.
A new contract could be offered to Gallagher after the summer transfer window closes in an attempt to preserve his value and stop the midfielder from leaving on a free transfer in 2025.
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