Chelsea Transfer News Roundup: Blues advised to keep Conor Gallagher, club eyeing Jhon Duran, and more - May 20, 2024

Chelsea enjoyed a strong end to the season, winning their final five games and finishing in sixth place in the Premier League table. Mauricio Pochettino's team won 18 and lost 11 of their 38 games in the league.

Meanwhile, a former player has advised the Blues to keep hold of Conor Gallagher. Elsewhere, the London giants have set their sights on Jhon Duran.

On that note, let's look at the major Chelsea transfer news from May 20, 2024.

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Chelsea advised to keep Conor Gallagher

Conor Gallagher

Former Chelsea winger Joe Cole has urged the club to keep hold of Conor Gallagher. The English midfielder's contract expires at the end of next season and he hasn't signed a new deal yet. Gallagher has been an omnipresent figure under Mauricio Pochettino, registering seven goals and nine assists from 50 outings across competitions.

As cited by TEAMTALK, Cole was full of praise for his countryman.

“Conor Gallagher can’t leave. I know there are issues financially but Conor Gallagher has been brilliant, from start to finish. Everyone has turned up in the last few weeks but Conor, you see a great player when he is playing in a struggling team. Conor was still there, captain as well. I think it is imperative that the club keeps him,” Cole said.

Cole went on to advise the Blues to invest in experienced players this summer, citing the example of Granit Xhaka at Bayer Leverkusen.

"What is very important is the recruitment in the summer. You need experience, I wouldn’t say anywhere in particular. I don’t think the club need to add any more young players, they need experience. Very similar to what Bayer Leverkusen have done. They brought in Jonas Hofmann and another senior player (Xhaka), you can’t put a value on that," Cole said.

He added:

"I think if I was advising the club, it would be two or three players in. Experienced players who know how to win games, good characters, set the tone in the dressing room.”

The London giants have preferred to sign young footballers in recent transfer windows.

Blues eyeing Jhon Duran

Jhon Duran

Chelsea are interested in Jhon Duran, according to The Mirror. The Colombian striker has caught the eye with Aston Villa this season, although he has struggled for first team chances. Duran has played second fiddle to Ollie Watkins at Villa Park and registered eight goals in 37 outings. The 20-year-old is expected to leave the Villans in search of regular football this summer and the Blues are interested.

The London giants are looking to add more bite to their underperforming attack ahead of the new campaign. Meanwhile, Romelu Lukaku spent the season on loan at AS Roma and is no longer part of plans at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea have targeted talented young footballers of late and Duran fits the bill. Prising him away won't be easy, as Villa will prefer to keep hold of him as they prepare for Champions League football next season.

Mauricio Pochettino wants to retain most of his squad

Mauricio Pochettino

Mauricio Pochettino believes Chelsea will benefit if they manage to retain 80-85% of their squad this summer. The Blues are likely to make multiple changes in their squad ahead of the new campaign. Thiago Silva will leave the club this summer, while many others are also linked with exits.

However, as cited by Football London, Pochettino recently pointed out that the current crop of players could become much better next season.

"Always, you can improve. They are going to be much better next season because they will have one year of experience, a tough experience. That is the advantage of being solid and consistent and not making too many changes," Pochettino said.

He continued:

"Next season if we keep 80-85% of the squad, for sure, it is a big step forward because it is about having continuity in the ideas and the knowledge between them. That is important for the club."

However, Pochettino refused to divulge the Blues' plans for the summer ahead.

"That is a club decision. Like it was from the beginning, we are going to be there to help and if not, we are going to do our job," said Pochettino.

The London giants are close to completing the signing of talented Brazilian footballer Estevao Willian, according to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano.