Roman Abramovich caught in £124m crossfire as Thomas Tuchel makes fresh Chelsea transfer demand

Chelsea are approaching a crossroads that could prove pivotal regarding the future of Thomas Tuchel's future endeavours at Stamford Bridge.

Conor Gallagher has earned the attention of Thomas Tuchel, who has plans to 'thrust' him into the Blues' first-team plans next season, according to the Evening Standard.

However, despite the 22-year-old having etched himself into the Chelsea's plans next season, the world champions are debating as to whether his inclusion will compensate for the club's growing interest in midfielder powerhouses Declan Rice and Aurélien Tchouaméni, as per the aforementioned report.

Gallagher has enjoyed a superb loan spell at Crystal Palace this season, directly contributing towards ten goals in just 21 Premier League appearances.

Chelsea could have a midfield worth at least £124m next season if Roman Abramovich plays his cards right...

Chelsea seem have everything in their locker to be able to go out and sign both Declan Rice and Aurélien Tchouameni - integrating Gallagher into Tuchel's first-team should not be a roadblock.

Despite the fact that the Cobham graduate is, and would be, played as an eight or a ten and therefore wouldn't hamper either of the targets' potential game time, the Blues mustn't shy away from the difficult decisions that need to be made in midfield.

Yes, Gallagher takes up another spot in the squad - and so will Billy Gilmour if he earns himself a place - but so do Ross Barkley, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Saul.

The latter trio of names should all be offloaded in the summer to make way for, and ensure that, Gallagher can come in alongside both Rice and Tchouameni.

Decisions need to be made and Chelsea can't afford to allow bench players to play like bench players; Manchester City's