West Ham United told not to go above £40m in Conor Gallagher pursuit
We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…
Frank McAvennie believes West Ham should not go higher than £40million to sign Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher.
The pundit has, however, suggested that the Hammers could find it hard to sign players for relatively low fees this summer after forcing Arsenal into paying £105million for Declan Rice.
According to Sky Sports News presenter Dharmesh Sheth (26 July), the East London club are discussing whether or not to improve upon their £40 million offer for Gallagher, which Chelsea rejected.
The midfielder made 45 appearances in all competitions last season for the Blues, having spent the previous campaign on loan at Crystal Palace.
He has been one of many midfielders linked with a move to the London Stadium, but the Hammers have so far been unsuccessful in their efforts to sign him.
Speaking to West Ham Zone, McAvennie said: “They’ve made a rod for their own back haven’t they because they held out so much for Declan.
“I’ve seen that Gallagher wants to fight for his place, which is not a good thing for West Ham if that is the case. Basically, he doesn’t want to go.
“I think he’s a decent player, but I wouldn’t go over £40million. Is he worth that? I don’t know, but I certainly wouldn’t go over that. He’s got potential to be a really good player, but it’s another story if he can do it week in, week out.
“I think West Ham would be a great club for the player to go to because he has no chance of playing for Chelsea. He wants to stay and fight for his place, but it’s not going to happen. There are too many players better than him in front of him.
“It’s an unfortunate situation, but he would get a game at West Ham. I think he could step up there, and then he might be worth more than £40million.”
In other West Ham news, a journalist has mooted an exit for one star who isn’t “entirely enamoured” with London Stadium life.