Chelsea's Conor Gallagher applauds fans after the match.
West Ham United remain interested in signing Chelsea duo Conor Gallagher and Armando Broja, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.
The Lowdown: Hammers interest
As widely reported earlier in the window, the Hammers were close to securing the services of the 20-year-old Albania international after submitting a £30m bid for the player, with an agreement over personal terms not proving to be an issue in negotiations.
However, after a series of complications, the Irons pulled out of the deal, instead opting to sign Gianluca Scamacca from Sassuolo for £35.5m.
Earlier this month, West Ham were also reported to have made a loan enquiry for England international Gallagher, but Chelsea responded claiming the 22-year-old does not want to leave Stamford Bridge this summer.
The Latest: Jones’ news
Jones believes Gallagher and Broja still remain on West Ham’s transfer wish-list, with GSB hoping to make further additions before next Thursday’s deadline.
Speaking with GiveMeSport, the journalist even said that Gallagher is being looked at as their new Jesse Lingard:
“They are still waiting in the background to hear on various situations ongoing at Chelsea – Broja is one of them but also Conor Gallagher really interests them. They feel his energy and ability would bring a similar lift to when Jesse Lingard came in.”
Indeed, Gallagher has been constantly praised for his energy and even dubbed a player who’s ‘got a bit of Poch-era Dele Alli’, so could be an exciting capture.
The Verdict: Fantastic signings but unlikely
The arrivals of the two Chelsea youngsters at the London Stadium would illustrate a huge signal of intent at West Ham, with the club making it evident they have learnt from previous failures in the transfer market.
However, with Gallagher having featured in all three Premier League games so far this season, and with Broja currently the only out-and-out number nine in Thomas Tuchel’s squad, the chance that they both sign for the Hammers this summer appears to be increasingly slim.
If Chelsea end up making further additions in those positions before September’s deadline, this may open up the possibility for serious negotiations and some dramatic late window business.
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