Thomas Tuchel has been speaking ahead of the Premier League finale, where Crystal Palace and West Ham target Conor Gallagher was mentioned.
What’s the story?
Well, the Chelsea boss was asked what the future holds for Gallagher and Armando Broja, who have both shone on loan deals away from west London.
As quoted by the Evening Standard, Tuchel said: “I want to have them in pre-season and we will decide in pre-season what goes on. It is heavily up to them and how they do.”
Now, that is quite promising for Patrick Vieira and David Moyes.
Tuchel doesn’t exactly say that he wants to sell both Gallagher and Broja immediately, although he does leave the door open to an exit by suggesting it is down to them to perform.
If they both fail to impress the German in pre-season, then exits certainly seem likely on the basis of Tuchel’s comments.
So far this season, Gallagher – who Chelsea value at £50m – has scored eight goals in 32 Premier League appearances, which earned him the Player of the Season award at Selhurst Park.
In Broja’s case, the 20-year-old has scored six goals in 32 Premier League appearances on loan at Southampton, earning rave reviews in the process.
Forget Crystal Palace, West Ham need Armando Broja
In our view, Crystal Palace can live without Gallagher.
Since the start of 2022, the 22-year-old has started to fizzle out, while Eberechi Eze has begun to rediscover his best form.
However, West Ham must ensure they bring Broja to the London Stadium, as David Moyes desperately needs another striker.
The Eagles and the Hammers both want Gallagher, but West Ham have also expressed an interest in the Albanian wonderkid.
In fact, Moyes and the West Ham players are even said to have been left dazzled by Broja’s efforts on loan at Southampton.
Michail Antonio is shouldering the burden up front, and given the fact he is quite injury prone, another option should be targeted.
Keep an eye on Chelsea during pre-season, as the performances of Gallagher and Broja could prove significant to Crystal Palace and West Ham.
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