Paul Merson thinks Chelsea star will be a ‘hero’ after deadline day transfer decision

Paul Merson believes a Chelsea star could become a ‘hero’ on deadline day. The Blues have spent significantly again during the summer window, taking their spending total under owner Todd Boehly above £1billion.

Mauricio Pochettino has been given a number of new weapons this summer, including Moises Caicedo, Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer. But Chelsea have also had to commission exits in a bid to balance the books, with Kai Havertz, Romelu Lukaku, Mason Mount and many others departing.

Midfield star Conor Gallagher was linked with a deadline day exit, with Tottenham reportedly enquiring over a £40million deal. Though, with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg staying put, Spurs haven’t been able to pull off a deal, and Chelsea were said to be resistant anyway, despite showing initial openness to striking a deal.

Gallagher actually captained Chelsea on Wednesday night for their Carabao Cup clash with AFC Wimbledon, and Pochettino spoke about the situation on Friday.

“All players in the squad are in our plans. After is a decision of two parts of the club and player,” said the Chelsea boss. “Conor is a consistent player that can play in different positions. Circumstances happen in the past we can say nothing, we can only say our feeling from day one and he has shown great commitment to the club, he was captain two days ago, he is an important player but the future I don’t know.”

In the meantime, pundit Merson has been speaking about links involving Gallagher, believing the midfielder will be a ‘hero’ with Blues fans if he stays put.

“If Tottenham come in and Conor Gallagher turns them down, he will be a hero with the Chelsea fans. An absolute hero,” Merson told Sky Sports.

Gallagher has already featured heavily early in the season, and he should remain an important part of Pochettino’s plans going forward.