by Conor Gallagher has returned to London after his planned move from Chelsea to Atlético Madrid was put on hold. The England midfielder is expected to resume training with the club’s Under-21 team. Atlético had agreed a transfer fee of £34 million for Gallagher, who spent the last week in the Spanish capital after completing his medical.
Chelsea’s failed transfer of striker Samu Omorodion has put the deal in jeopardy, with Atlético needing to sell another player to fund the transfer of the 24-year-old England international. Talks to re-sign João Félix are expected to continue, with the Portuguese striker having expressed interest in returning to Stamford Bridge in 2023 after a six-month loan.
Meanwhile, Gallagher – who has been staying in a hotel and using Atlético’s facilities to stay fit while waiting for confirmation of his move – will train with Chelsea’s youth team alongside fellow outcasts Trevoh Chalobah and Romelu Lukaku.
Gallagher has rejected a new contract offer from Chelsea and turned down a move to Aston Villa this summer. He must now wait and see if the deal with Atlético can be revived or if other clubs make an offer. Gallagher has previously indicated he would consider extending his contract at Stamford Bridge, which expires next year.
If Félix is signed, there could be more departures in the coming weeks. Strikers Raheem Sterling and Noni Madueke are among those said to be on the market. Newcastle are said to be interested in signing England U21 striker Madueke, while Aston Villa and Crystal Palace are both vying for Chalobah after he dropped out of Chelsea’s team that toured the USA.
It remains to be seen whether Chelsea will pursue their interest in Victor Osimhen, who they could sign on loan from Napoli. The Italian club have agreed personal terms with Lukaku on a three-year deal but have not yet been able to match Chelsea’s offer for the Belgian striker.
after newsletter campaign
Chelsea have confirmed that Cole Palmer has been rewarded with a two-year contract extension until 2033 following his brilliant first season. This apparently also includes a significant pay rise.
