Arsenal 'initiate contact' with Tottenham transfer target after Thierry Henry endorsement

Arsenal have reportedly enquired about the availability of Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher.

The Gunners are expected to welcome new arrivals in all outfield departments this summer, with Jorrel Hato identified as a defensive target and countless striker options being considered after Benjamin Sesko’s decision to remain with RB Leipzig.

Several targets have also been identified in midfield, with AS reporting that Arsenal have made contact with London rivals Chelsea to explore the possibility of signing Gallagher – who is firmly in the shop window at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues are open to offloading the England international to improve their financial outlook amid the strict Profit and Sustainability Rules. The midfielder is homegrown and thus represents ‘pure profit’ on their balance sheets.

Gallagher is not short of suitors, with Aston Villa and Tottenham both desperate to secure the signature of the 24-year-old, who is said to be valued at £42million by the higher powers at Chelsea.

The playmaker is out of contract with his boyhood side in 2025 and reports say that talks over a new deal have shown no signs of progressing due to the financial demands of the player.

Arsenal are expected to offload several fringe stars over the coming months to bolster their transfer budget and therefore may not be deterred by the wages of Gallagher – especially as he can play in several different roles in midfield.

Gunners legend Thierry Henry has sung the praises of Gallagher previously, whilst he was out on loan at Crystal Palace in 2021. Speaking after he impressed against Brighton, the ex-France striker said: “The way he puts pressure, the way he makes his team play, he makes the box. He has an eye for a goal at the minute, he’s way higher than when he used to play for West Brom on loan from Chelsea.