Chelsea confirmed the signing of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from Leicester City on Tuesday.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has joined Chelsea on an initial five-year deal, but while the midfielder has arrived at Stamford Bridge, Conor Gallagher could be leaving.
If that happens, the 25-year-old could prove to be the ideal replacement for the England international.
His comments following his move to west London show just how.
Conor Gallagher could leave Chelsea this summer
Gallagher was a key player under Mauricio Pochettino last season.
In total, the 24-year-old made 50 appearances, while he also captained the side on more than one occasion.
However, Pochettino is obviously gone now and Gallagher is into the final 12 months of his contract.
It means Chelsea could now be forced to sell their academy graduate to avoid the risk of losing him on a free transfer next summer.
Atletico Madrid are one club who are said to be interested in Gallagher.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall a similar player to Conor Gallagher
In Dewsbury-Hall, Chelsea already look to have a replacement for Gallagher if they decide to sell him.
Speaking to the club’s official website after his move to Stamford Bridge, the former Leicester star said: “I’m a box-to-box midfielder. I am somebody who likes to attack, drive at defenders and make things happen with goals and assists.
“I will also give 100 per cent for the team defensively and I am someone who overall can contribute in every aspect of the game.”
Gallagher is also probably at his best when he is in a box-to-box role. He has the attributes for it.
Gallagher works extremely hard on the pitch but is also capable of coming up with an important contribution in attack. Last season, he had the third-highest average for tackles (2.3) in Chelsea’s squad, according to WhoScored, and bagged some big goals for his side.
For example, it was the Three Lions star who scored the Blues’ crucial goal in a win against Crystal Palace before netting versus Manchester United and Aston Villa, with his strike away at the latter earning Chelsea a point on the evening.
Of course, Gallagher was often used as an attacking midfielder. But again, he has the traits of a box-to-box midfielder, which is why Dewsbury-Hall, who is a natural in that role, could be the perfect replacement for him.
