An insight into the plans of Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel for starring midfield loanee Conor Gallagher has been provided this weekend.

And the news is of an altogether positive nature for those of a Blues persuasion hopeful of seeing the 21-year-old back in the club’s colours from the offset of the 2022/23 campaign.

As confirmed by the reliable Jacob Steinberg, speaking on the Siphillipstalkschelsea podcast, Gallagher’s displays at Crystal Palace have proven evidence enough for boss Tuchel of his readiness to contribute at Stamford Bridge:

Gallagher has of course exploded onto the English football scene over the course of the season to date.

After showcasing flashes of his undoubted potential across a loan stint with West Bromwich Albion last time out, the all-action midfielder has taken things to another level altogether this time round, notching 7 goals and 3 assists across 19 Premier League appearances, to establish himself as one of the division’s most highly-regarded young talents.

VDB incoming

Whilst news of their starring loan talent’s impending Chelsea return will no doubt be met with disappointment on the part of the Palace faithful, those of an Eagles persuasion can at least take solace in the fact that the efforts of the board at Selhurst Park to add further quality to Patrick Vieira’s ranks remain very much ongoing.

As confirmed on Friday, Palace are working hard to push a pair of deals over the line ahead of Monday’s January transfer deadline.

First up, hitman Jean-Philippe Mateta is expected to see his loan arrival from Bundesliga outfit Mainz made permanent, for a sum in the region of £8 million.

And the hierarchy in south London are not ready to stop there, with progress also being made over a loan swoop for Manchester United outcast Donny van de Beek.

 

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