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Chelsea are looking to reclaim their heydays under new boss Mauricio Pochettino. The Argentinean manager took charge this summer but has endured a difficult start, with his team 11th in the Premier League after eight games.
Meanwhile, midfielder Conor Gallagher is wanted in the Middle East. Elsewhere, defender Levi Colwill has been backed to be a huge hit with the Blues.
On that note, here's a look at the key Chelsea transfer stories as on October 14, 2023:
Conor Gallagher wanted in Middle East
Al-Ettifaq are interested in Conor Gallagher, according to Football Transfers. Steven Gerrard is at the helm of affairs at the Saudi Arabian side and is keen to add Gallagher to his setup.
The Liverpool legend has reportedly reached out to his compatriot to convince him to move to Saudi Arabia in January. However, the 23-year-old has turned him down.
Gallagher has held his own at Stamford Bridge this season despite the arrival of multiple midfielders over the summer. He was heavily linked an exit from Chelsea this year but opted to stay and prove himself. That decision has been vindicated, as the 23-year-old has become one of Pochettino's most trusted men, appearing in all 10 games across competitions this season.
The Blues are pleased with his efforts and are considering offering him a new and improved contract. Al-Ettifaq are plotting to lure Gallagher away with a colossal offer, but the Englishman wants to stay at Stamford Bridge.
The London giants are least pleased with Gerrard, who attempted to prise the 23-year-old away during his stint with Aston Villa.
Levi Colwill tipped for success with Chelsea
Former Tottenham Hotspur striker Darren Bent has backed Levi Colwill to get better with the Blues.
The English youngster has broken into Pochettino's plans this season. The 20-year-old has already appeared 10 times across competitions for the Blues, registering one assist.
Bent told Talksports that Colwill will be one to watch out for at Euro 2028.
"Levi Colwill, really like him. He’ll be 25 (at Euro 2028). Good player. I think he is doing well at Chelsea. He can play left-back and left centre half.
"He’s versatile. I think he’ll get better with that (in Chelsea’s struggles). I genuinely believe with this transition he will be a key part of that transition," said Bent.
Colwill has been filling in at left-back this season.
Cole Palmer an upgrade on Kai Havertz, says Paul Brown
Cole Palmer could prove to be an upgrade on Kai Havertz at Stamford Bridge, according to journalist Paul Brown.
The German midfielder was allowed to join Arsenal this summer for £65 million. Palmer was roped in from Manchester City for £45 million on deadline day. Brown told Give Me Sport that Palmer could be a better fit than Havertz in Pochettino's team.
"Chelsea did have a lot of serious success with Havertz in the team, so, I think, it's a little early to say that Palmer is looking better than he is. He's got the potential to be a better fit. I think that's a better way to look at it.
"Havertz was a key part of what Thomas Tuchel's Chelsea did because he liked a centre forward who drops in and gets involved in play and helps with the build-up and knits things together. This Chelsea is a little bit different," said Brown.
The 21-year-old Palmer has done well since his arrival at the Blues, registering one goal and two assists in six games across competitions.
