Chelsea are approaching a crossroads that could prove pivotal regarding the future of Thomas Tuchel's future endeavours at Stamford Bridge.
Conor Gallagher has earned the attention of Thomas Tuchel, who has plans to 'thrust' him into the Blues' first-team plans next season, according to the Evening Standard.
However, despite the 22-year-old having etched himself into the Chelsea's plans next season, the world champions are debating as to whether his inclusion will compensate for the club's growing interest in midfielder powerhouses Declan Rice and Aurélien Tchouaméni, as per the aforementioned report.
Gallagher has enjoyed a superb loan spell at Crystal Palace this season, directly contributing towards ten goals in just 21 Premier League appearances.
Chelsea could have a midfield worth at least £124m next season if Roman Abramovich plays his cards right...
Jake Stokes - Gallagher shouldn't stop Chelsea from splashing the cash
Chelsea seem have everything in their locker to be able to go out and sign both Declan Rice and Aurélien Tchouameni - integrating Gallagher into Tuchel's first-team should not be a roadblock.
Despite the fact that the Cobham graduate is, and would be, played as an eight or a ten and therefore wouldn't hamper either of the targets' potential game time, the Blues mustn't shy away from the difficult decisions that need to be made in midfield.
Yes, Gallagher takes up another spot in the squad - and so will Billy Gilmour if he earns himself a place - but so do Ross Barkley, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Saul.
The latter trio of names should all be offloaded in the summer to make way for, and ensure that, Gallagher can come in alongside both Rice and Tchouameni.
Decisions need to be made and Chelsea can't afford to allow bench players to play like bench players; Manchester City's depth is far superior and at any given time Kevin De Bruyne could be substituted and, more often than not, someone else will come in a do nearly as good a job, if not better.
Anita Abayomi - If you had to choose, bring Conor home!
Look, I am a massive Declan Rice fan. I want him at Chelsea at all costs. The Blues look to be going in for both Rice and Aurelien Tchouameni, so there is no limit in how far Chelsea can push this next transfer window.
The possibility of bringing Gallagher home should not prohibit the signing of either Rice or Tchouameni. It's actually worrying that there are reports suggesting otherwise.
I understand the need for a defensive midfielder is at the forefront of every Chelsea fan's mind, however, if we had to choose, take the free option. Bring Gallagher home!
You have one of the best midfielders in the Premier League right now with so much potential. Why on Earth would you choose to spend near £100 million before prioritising our homegrown talent?
We've regretted decisions on our Cobham graduates this season already having lost both Tino Livramento completely and Armando Broja on loan. Both players could have been the difference for the Blues this season, as would have Conor.
He's free, he's en-route to becoming world-class, do I need to give any more reasons? Gallagher is the priority, then we can think about which midfielder has to miss out. It shouldn't effect Declan Rice's arrival anyway.
Daniel Childs - Just have both
I have found it quite puzzling that whenever Conor Gallagher's potential return to Chelsea is discussed, people bring up the names of N'Golo Kante, Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic rather than the likes of Timo Werner, Kai Havertz, Christain Pulisic, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Mason Mount and Hakim Ziyech. Given Gallagher has outperformed nearly all of them this season in league goals.
Given his ability to not touch the ball a ton but still manage to influence games heavily, he is an attacking midfielder rather than someone you want protecting the backline.
Gallagher is good enough to fill a similar role to Mason Mount who can roam behind the striker and penetrate dangerous pockets of space. Declan Rice would be a sensational signing, one that could help form the spine of Chelsea for the next decade. Gallagher is a goal-scoring midfielder, basically gold-dust in the current game.
Both can be a part of Chelsea's strongest midfield lineup in the coming years.
Follow our CareFree Chelsea trends writer Jake Stokes on Twitter to get involved in the discussion and give us your thoughts in the comments section below. Make sure you have subscribed to CareFree Chelsea on YouTube! The Fan Brands team, along with plenty of your football.london favourites, will be producing daily Chelsea content for you to enjoy, including match reactions, podcasts, football fun and interviews.
