Aston Villa monitor situation of Conor Gallagher this summer
Conor Gallagher could be on his way out of Chelsea this summer and Aston Villa are believed to be monitoring the situation according to the Birmingham Mail.
The 22-year-old midfielder has impressed on loan at both West Brom and Crystal Palace in recent seasons, being rewarded with his England debut in November 2021.
Villa are on the hunt for a new midfielder after missing out on Yves Bissouma to Spurs and Birmingham Mail reporter Ashley Preece has highlighted Gallagher as a possible alternative.
Preece hosted a Q&A with readers on Monday afternoon (20 June) and was asked about Villa’s midfielder hunt and Gallagher in particular.
“Steven Gerrard spoke of the importance of Villa’s spine last season. Villa are aware of Gallagher’s situation, expected to fetch in the region of £30million.”
The perfect upgrade for Villa?
Villa’s midfield was their major weak spot last season, but Gallagher would be the perfect signing to upgrade it.
A major criticism Villa fans aim towards Steven Gerrard’s Villa team is that the strikers become too isolated as the midfielders sit too deep.
Gallagher would be a great option to change that as he likes to hold a higher position than John McGinn or Jacob Ramsey, seeing him receiving more progressive passes per 90 minutes according to FBRef.
He is also better on the ball than his competition, having the highest number of dribbles attempted and successful dribbles per 90 minutes.
There is also the obvious point that he got four more goal contributions than Villa’s other midfielders, with eight goals and three assists.
However, there is one issue with signing Gallagher, that being they already have Ramsey.
While Gallagher has produced better numbers than Ramsey this season, they have only been marginal differences.
The current England international is also a year ahead of Ramsey in his development as the 2021/22 season was Ramsey’s first as a regular Premier League starter.
Playing both Ramsey and Gallagher alongside at least one of Philippe Coutinho and Emi Buendia would also leave their team unbalanced.
Something Gerrard must consider is if it is worth spending a near-club record fee on Gallagher when he already has a very similar player.
In other Aston Villa news, the Lions receive a response after contact was made with Tammy Abraham’s team for a potential move