Paul Merson has suggested that one of Cole Palmer’s Chelsea teammates would actually get into the Arsenal team, insisting that he is a fan’s dream.

It has been another tough campaign for Chelsea, with Mauricio Pochettino’s men showing some signs of progress in the last few months.

It is going to be fascinating to see what Chelsea manage to do in the summer transfer window, with one of the key questions focused on what will happen with Conor Gallagher.

Chelsea have reportedly encouraged Gallagher’s admirers to make a bid this summer, with the Blues seemingly keen to bring in funds from player sales over the coming months. The 24-year-old is also out of contract at the end of next season. Tottenham believe that they could get Gallagher for £45 million.

Paul Merson says Conor Gallagher would get into Arsenal team

Gallagher has certainly been one of Chelsea’s best midfielders over the last couple of years, so it would be a worrying statement if the Blues cashed in.

And speaking on Soccer Saturday (broadcast on 11/5; 13:42), Paul Merson suggested that he would even get into the Arsenal team right now.

“If they sell Conor Gallagher, it’s five steps back. I am a big Conor Gallagher fan, he gives you absolutely everything. I think he gets into virtually every team, probably Man City he doesn’t get into, any other team, I think he gets into,” he said.

“I would even go as far as to say at Arsenal you would, go and get him at Arsenal where you have got Rice, Odegaard and Gallagher. He gives you everything. He gives you energy, he gives you goals and he closes down. He is a fan’s dream. Everybody wants a trier.”

Why Emirates move cannot be ruled out heading into the summer

It certainly does not appear to be out of the question for Arsenal to make a move for Gallagher this summer, with Mikel Arteta and Edu bringing both Jorginho and Kai Havertz in from Stamford Bridge over the last 18 months.

And if there is one area of the pitch which could do with strengthening, it is potentially in the middle of the park, where there are questions over the future of Thomas Partey.

If Arsenal push Declan Rice back, there is a space for a new number eight to come in and stamp their authority on that position.

Gallagher is not the finished article just yet, but Chelsea’s apparent willingness to listen to offers may present an opportunity which is too good for the Arsenal hierarchy to turn away from.