David Ornstein Explains Why West Ham Were Never Likely To Sign 45M Chelsea Star
Chelsea did not want to send West Ham target Conor Gallagher out on loan before the transfer window closed, according to The Athletic‘s David Ornstein.
The Hammers were linked with a loan bid for the England international ahead of the deadline on Tuesday night but Ornstein said (prior to the window closing) that the Blues would only have considered a permanent sale:
🚨 Conor Gallagher staying at Chelsea. #CFC don’t want another loan & permanent offers well below valuation. Barring late twist, 22yo midfielder will be at Stamford Bridge until at least summer + important part of youth movement @TheAthleticFC #DeadlineDay https://t.co/6fK3jlyB8J
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) January 31, 2023
Newcastle and Crystal Palace were also keen on recruiting Gallagher on a temporary basis, along with West Ham, but it appears any interest was knocked back.
Everton were reportedly the only team that made a formal bid of around £45m for the 22-year-old but, as Ornstein mentions, it was deemed “well below” Chelsea’s valuation.
The departure of Jorginho to Arsenal also probably didn’t help matters, with the Blues already being rather light in midfield due to N’Golo Kante’s long-term injury.
Gallagher’s situation could be revisited in the summer, but circumstances could change for both the player and the Irons in the coming months.