Agbonlahor tips West Ham to complete Conor Gallagher signing amid new claim – ‘I’ve heard…’

Gabby Agbonlahor has backed West Ham to complete a summer deal for Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher.

The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the Blues’ asking price of £40million is now the “going rate” for a player like the 23-year-old.

Football Insider revealed last week (18 July) that West Ham have opened talks with Chelsea over the signing of Gallagher – and hope to pay around £30million for the England international.

It is believed the Irons will face competition from Tottenham for the midfielder’s signature.

Gallagher made 45 appearances across all competitions last term, notching three goals and one assist – but started in just 21 of those outings.

His best season in senior football came on loan at Crystal Palace in the 2021-22 campaign, where he managed eight goals and five assists in 39 appearances.

The 23-year-old’s Chelsea contract runs until June 2025.

Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I heard Chelsea want £40million.

“At first, I thought that might be a bit overpriced. But if you look at the market now, you’ve got average players going for £30million.

“So with his age, what he can offer, what he did at Crystal Palace – it could be the right signing for West Ham.

West Ham

“He’d certainly fit into the number eight role in that side, and I think that price tag is about right. It seems to be the going rate now – it’s crazy.

“He’s not in Pochettino’s plans at Chelsea, so I can’t imagine they’d put up too much of a fight.”

In other news, West Ham confident £40million deal can now be done.