Paul Merson has warned Chelsea they risk “taking five steps back” if they sell midfielder Conor Gallagher this summer.
Gallagher has been a stand out performer for the Blues this season, and has captained the side in the absence of Reece James and Ben Chilwell.
However there are huge question marks over his future with the 24-year-old out of contract in 2025, with talks over a new deal yet to begin.
Merson warns Chelsea not to sell Gallagher
The Blues have spent heavily in recent transfer windows under Todd Boehly and Clearlake which has led to speculation they need to sell players before June 30th in order to comply with Financial Fair Play.
Gallagher, an ever present this season has been strongly linked with a move away this summer with rivals Tottenham known to be keen in securing his services.
The fans recently showed their support for Gallagher before the 2-0 win against Tottenham with a banner unfurled in The Shed End, in what could be interpreted as a message to the ownership not to sell him.
Merson has shared his concerns if Chelsea end up selling Gallagher and even suggested Arsenal should make a move for the midfielder.
“If they sell Conor Gallagher, it’s five steps back”, he told Soccer Saturday.
“I am a big Conor Gallagher fan, he gives you absolutely everything.
“I think he gets into virtually every team, probably Man City he doesn’t get into, any other team, I think he gets into.
“I would even go as far as to say at Arsenal you would go and get him at Arsenal where you have got Rice, Odegaard and Gallagher.
“He gives you everything, he gives you energy, he gives you goals and he closes down.
“He is a fan’s dream, everybody wants a trier.”
With Gallagher’s future far from certain he could have just two games left with Chelsea, starting with Wednesday’s trip to Brighton before Bournemouth visit Stamford Bridge on the final day.