Chelsea chief todd boehly set to 'sacrifice players to keep star man'

Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly may reportedly be willing to sell several players in order to keep Conor Gallagher at the club this summer. The England international was heavily linked to a

move away from Stamford Bridge during the January transfer window, with Chelsea said to have been open to letting him go. It came amid growing concerns about Chelsea’s financial situation,

with suggestions the Blues might have to shift players in January to help balance the books. Given Gallagher’s status as an academy graduate, the two-time European champions were believed to

be willing to let him leave as it would’ve counted as 100% profit on the balance sheet, but only if a suitable offer for the ex-Crystal Palace loanee arrived. Of course, it didn’t, but

their stance is believed to have changed in recent weeks though, with Gallagher having proven himself as an indispensable member of Mauricio Pochettino’s side. Gallagher netted a late winner

in last week’s FA Cup clash against Leeds United - a win that kept alive hopes of lifting silverware this season for the capital club. And because of performances like that in a Chelsea

shirt this season, there are now reports the Stamford Bridge outfit will instead prioritise keeping Gallagher beyond the upcoming summer transfer window. It's mooted a selection of

unwanted Chelsea stars could be let go, in order to ensure Gallagher stays at the club. “We mustn’t forget that Chelsea feel they can get £30million or £35million for Ian Maatsen,” Chelsea

transfer expert Ben Jacobs explained. “The obligation to buy for Lewis Hall is expected to kick in, and that’s £30million plus. You’ve got Romelu Lukaku... Trevoh Chalobah is surplus to

requirements. Marc Cucurella, it’s not unthinkable that he would be sold for the right price. "Armando Broja is for sale,” Jacobs continued. “So if you discount Conor Gallagher and add

up all of those other names and fees, even if just two or three of the four or five of those names were sold, that’s still going to be £70million to £100million.” Gallagher has featured

heavily for Chelsea this season, notching up 36 appearances for the west Londoners across all competitions, while registering the second-most minutes in the squad. Only summer signing Axel

Disasi has played more for Chelsea this term than Gallagher, illustrating just how important the 24-year-old continues to be for manager Pochettino.