Chelsea are planning to hold contract talks with Conor Gallagher soon, though there could also be approaches from the likes of Tottenham and Newcastle for the England midfielder this January.
Sources with a close understanding of the situation have informed CaughtOffside that Chelsea are now clear in their plans in wanting to keep Gallagher after his fine form so far this season, but interest in the 23-year-old remains after he came close to leaving in the summer.
Gallagher himself is open to discussions with Chelsea, which should begin in the coming weeks, but it will be interesting to see how these talks progress, and if it allows rival clubs to try to swoop for him in January.
Chelsea fans will surely be hoping an agreement can be reached to keep hold of Gallagher, who has grown into his role as a real leader in Mauricio Pochettino’s squad, taking the captain’s armband during Reece James’ absence through injury.
Chelsea are less certain, however, of Ian Maatsen’s future, with the Dutch left-back not necessarily set to renew with the west London giants, despite their efforts to tie him down.
Maatsen was a target for Burnley in the summer and they’re continuing to monitor him, with a January departure now appearing increasingly likely for the 21-year-old.
Trevoh Chalobah is also expected to leave Chelsea, with Bayern Munich continuing to consider him as an option in the transfer market after targeting him in the summer. Other teams are also interested, but Bayern are expected to try taking formal steps to sign the player this winter.