Thomas Tuchel could be handed transfer dilemma as Chelsea starlet tipped for ‘big future’

Newcastle v Chelsea Match in Pictures

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Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel will have several big decisions to make in the summer of 2022 when he gets to see the entirety of his squad. The Blues have, as usual, numerous players out on loan at the moment but several look capable of making an impact at Stamford Bridge in the coming seasons.

Two of the Blues’ most exciting talents are both on loan in the Premier League, Conor Gallagher at Crystal Palace and Billy Gilmour at Norwich, and they may be battling it out for a position in Tuchel’s squad next season.

The central midfielders are enduring very different times whilst out on loan, one is flourishing whereas the other is struggling to even make it off the bench.

At Palace, Gallagher has been a star. The Englishman has instantly become a fan’s favourite at Selhurst Park due to his tenacity, work rate and ability to create chances.

On the other hand, Gilmour has played just four games for the Canaries and recently been relegated to the bench as manager Daniel Farke tries to prevent his side from breaking records for being statistically one of the worst teams in Premier League history.

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The Chelsea team is packed with talent and Tuchel is certainly not short of depth in midfield.

Jorginho, N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic and Mason Mount are the main quartet battling it out for spots in the former PSG boss’ starting eleven, with Ross Barkley, Saul Niguez and Ruben Loftus-Cheek all capable of stepping up when required.

However, there are no guarantees that some of the fringe players may be at the club come 2022 considering the three aforementioned are all more than capable of playing regular football elsewhere – Saul’s loan may not be made permanent either.

With potential openings arising in his squad soon, Tuchel will have a decision to make: bring Gallagher (21) into the squad or continue to put his faith in Gilmour (20)?

Speaking to thisisfutbol, former Premier League midfielder Carlton Palmer revealed that he thinks Gallagher has a big future with the Blues, he said: “He’s playing fantastically well at Crystal Palace. I think he could fit in the Chelsea side for sure.

“At some point, he’ll go back to Chelsea – he’s a very young player. I think he’ll have a big future at Chelsea Football Club.”

The former West Brom loanee has scored three and assisted two in nine appearances so far this season for Palace and has run the show in the centre of the park, being a presence in both boxes for Patrick Viera’s side.

Gilmour made five league appearances for Tuchel’s team and impressed massively, stepping up to the occasion on the European stage as well, but his recent drop in form could indicate that the Scottish international still requires time and patience before he is ready to regularly feature for a team challenging for titles.

The contracts of Jorginho, Kante and Barkley all set to expire in 2023 and the trio are yet to put pen to paper on new deals.

Therefore, Tuchel having ready-made replacements – though, arguably, not as talented just yet – in the ranks will be a big relief for the German.

Contract talks are high on the ‘to do list’ at Stamford Bridge at the moment as some of the club’s best defenders are out of contract at the end of the season.

Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen, Cesar Azpilicueta and Thiago Silva are all set to leave the London club next year as it stands and Tuchel could be left with a shaky looking back three if Roman Abramovich doesn’t speed up negotiations on those key players.

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