Conor Gallagher set to return to London as deal between Chelsea and Atletico Madrid still on stand-by: Reports
Chelsea have asked Atletico Madrid-bound Conor Gallagher to return to London as his transfer deal still hangs in the balance, as per Fabrizio Romano.
Gallagher has been in Madrid for the past few days after traveling there to undergo a medical as Chelsea struck a deal with Los Colchoneros. But he has yet to be officially announced as the club's new player, as the deal has yet to be completed.
The English midfielder was one of the Blues standout players in the 2023–24 campaign, scoring seven goals and providing nine assists across competitions. He fell out of favor after new coach Enzo Maresca explicitly said that no player is guaranteed to have regular playing time under him.
Conor Gallagher’s deal was further complicated after Atletico Madrid's Samu Omorodion’s move to Stamford Bridge collapsed. After splashing a whopping €82 million on Julian Alvarez, the Spanish giants need to make one or two outgoings to be able to sign new players. Selling Omorodion is one of the ways that Los Colchoneros can raise a few bucks to finalize the purchase of Conor Gallagher.
According to reports, Atletico Madrid are currently in talks with the west London club over the possible return of Joao Felix to Stamford Bridge. The Portuguese forward spent the second half of the 2022–2023 season at the west London club before returning to the Spanish capital. Hence, Conor Gallagher will have to wait for Chelsea to finalize Felix’s deal before he can join Diego Simeone’s men at Cívitas Metropolitano.
Atletico Madrid eye ex-Chelsea player N’Golo Kante amid Conor Gallagher deal: Reports
With Conor Gallagher’s move from Chelsea thrown into doubt, Atletico Madrid have reportedly turned their attention to former Blues player N’Golo Kante. According to Relevo, Atletico Madrid have started discussions with Kante’s entourage, as they consider the Frenchman to be one who could strengthen their midfield.
Meanwhile, Al-Ittihad, the club where N’Golo Kante plies his trade, has turned down Atletico’s offer and insisted that the 33-year-old is not for sale, as per Fabrizio Romano.
Kante, renowned for his all-around presence and defensive prowess on the pitch, will bring rich experience and stability to Atletico’s midfield. It would probably be a brilliant move for the club and player given that he would fit into their style of play.
He was an integral part of Chelsea's successes in recent years, as he won the Premier League Player of the Year in the Blues' Premier League triumph in 2016–2017. He was also the man of the match in the Champions League final triumph against Manchester City in 2021.