Former Chelsea star Emmanuel Petit has slammed co-owner Todd Boehly over Conor Gallagher’s future with the midfielder a contender to be sold in the summer transfer window. Gallagher has been one of the Blues’ best players this season but his potential departure would help the west Londoners balance their financial books.
Related articles
As an academy graduate with no transfer fee to offset, any money raised for Gallagher would count as pure profit and therefore look good on Chelsea’s books. Wide-ranging reports suggest that the club are at risk of breaching profit and sustainability regulations.
But Petit feels that mismanagement has led to a situation where Gallagher may need to be sold. Nearly 30 players have been signed since the Boehly-led consortium bought Chelsea in 2022, with deals costing over a combined £1billion.
Petit, who also played in the Premier League for Arsenal, says he is ‘happy’ he never featured for Chelsea during the Boehly era.
"Chelsea selling Gallagher? If anything summed up the board of Chelsea, it is this. Can you believe that?” Petit, who made 76 appearances for the Blues between 2001 and 2004, told Genting Casino.
Watch all the Premier League and Champions League drama unfold on TNT Sports
“They are running the club into the ground. Boehly has signed so many players that he may have to get rid of Gallagher, one of their most important players.
“He’s one of the only leaders, too, so it really is crazy to be a Chelsea fan right now. I’m happy I wasn’t around in the Boehly era."
Gallagher has excelled for Chelsea this season, scoring five goals and providing eight assists across all competitions. He has taken on the captaincy in the absence of the injured defender Reece James.
But the 24-year-old could soon find himself sold to help Chelsea ease their financial concerns. Tottenham are believed to be long-term admirers of the former Crystal Palace loanee.
DON'T MISS...
Mauricio Pochettino holds worrying belief about Chelsea dressing room
Chelsea given another brutal reality check as Todd Boehly faces pivotal summer
Chelsea could be owed £24m this week if rivals Tottenham play their part
Spurs were linked with a January deal for Gallagher but a transfer did not materialise. It is thought that Chelsea’s £50m asking price was considered too steep for the north Londoners. Spurs were instead looking for an agreement at around £40m.
Meanwhile, wing-back James’s future is also uncertain. Injuries have prevented the England international from playing a prominent role in the last 18 months, with the club captain limited to nine Premier League appearances this season.
Like Gallagher, James is an academy graduate whose potential sale would help to offset the club’s losses. According to The Times, Real Madrid are interested in a potential move.
