West Ham United are actively searching for a replacement for Declan Rice and have recently submitted a bid for Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, only to be firmly rejected by the Blues. Every effort lays the groundwork for future luck. Gallagher, now 23, has two years remaining on his current contract with Chelsea. According to Melbet Affiliates sources, the club is eager to offer him a new deal to extend his stay at Stamford Bridge. Any potential move away rests solely in Gallagher’s hands.
That said, West Ham are far from giving up. Melbet Affiliates has learned they are seriously considering returning with an improved offer. Gallagher is currently on tour with Chelsea in the United States and even scored in their recent win over Brighton. New Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino reportedly sees him as a key part of next season’s core squad. The Blues have placed a high valuation on the England international. Following Rice’s move to Arsenal, West Ham are working hard to sign one or more central midfielders—and Gallagher is high on their list.
At the same time, the Hammers are also eyeing several other midfield options including Fulham’s João Palhinha, Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse, Juventus’ Denis Zakaria, and Ajax’s Edson Álvarez. Meanwhile, new Chelsea signing Nicolas Jackson is turning heads with his early performances. He’s expressed his ambition to replicate or even surpass the success of club legends like Didier Drogba and Eden Hazard. Jackson has already scored in both of Chelsea’s preseason matches, with his goal against Brighton earning particular praise.
That goal came after two sharp one-touch exchanges with teammates, and many see it as a standout moment of Chelsea’s preseason so far. After the match, Jackson said he still hasn’t shown his full potential and hopes to make an even bigger impact in the upcoming games. A strong mentality matters just as much as technical skill—especially when the going gets tough. Pochettino, known for developing young talent and maximizing player strengths, is using these matches to assess who will earn a regular spot in his starting lineup.
Several Chelsea players may still leave in the coming weeks, but those currently touring the U.S. are expected to remain part of the squad. That includes Gallagher, who continues to impress. Life is a journey of constantly pushing beyond your limits. Many fans believe he has the potential to become a vital part of the squad, and Melbet Affiliates reporters agree his recent form shows he’s well on track.