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In an interview with talkSPORT Cole said:

“If I were sitting in front of the Chelsea owners, I would tell them that Conor is probably the most important player in the dressing room.”

“Before talking about what he does on the pitch, he understands the club. In difficult times you realize what a player is worth and Conor was always there, available and leading the team forward. I think it’s vital for the club to keep him.”

Gallagher had an impressive season with Chelsea, becoming a key member of the team. He scored 7 goals and provided 9 assists in all competitions, and captained the team in a number of matches.

Gallagher’s future at Chelsea is unclear. It has been reported that a number of Premier League clubs are interested in him and Chelsea are determined to sell him.

‘I don’t understand the financial side of it’: Joe Cole delivers verdict on potential Conor Gallagher sale

“If I was sitting in front of the Chelsea owners, I would be telling them that Conor [Gallagher] is arguably the most important player in the dressing room,” former Chelsea winger Joe Cole told talkSPORT when asked about the prospect of the club selling the midfielder.

“Before you even talk about what he does on the pitch, he understands the club. During the difficult times, you see what a player is worth and Conor was always there and available and driving the team on.

“I think it’s vital for the club to keep him. I’ll admit I don’t understand the financial side of it but purely from a football point of view, he’s in the top three most important players in the dressing room.”

Gallagher was a regular starter under Mauricio Pochettino who clearly wanted the club to keep him. Now that his main defender in the club has gone, the midfielder is more likely to leave.

His current deal expires next summer, and there have been no reports about contract talks starting — or even about Chelsea’s desire to initiate them. In such circumstances, Gallagher may have little choice but to agree to a move.