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Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher has now arrived in Madrid ahead of his controversial proposed switch
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It’s been another busy summer at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea following up last season’s sixth-place Premier League finish by parting company with boss Mauricio Pochettino and then embarking on another breakneck transfer window. The signing of Boca Juniors defender Aaron Anselmino on Thursday saw the club’s spending rachet up to more than £130million as he became the eighth new arrival this summer. The club have managed to recoup around £90million through the sakes of Ian Maatsen, Lewis Hall and Omari Hutchinson, but perhaps the most controversial decision made in west London this summer surrounds midfielder Conor Gallagher. VIDEO: How Enzo Maresca Will Set Up At Chelsea The England international has been closing in on a move to Atletico Madrid in recent days and arrived in the Spanish capital on Thursday in order to complete his £33million transfer, a move which eases the club’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) concerns but has not gone down well with fans, who do not want to see another homegrown player, who was one of the club’s best performers last year, leave the club. Reports in Spain, however, suggest that these Chelsea fans almost got what they wanted, as Atletico Madrid tried to pull the plug on the deal at the 11th hour. Spanish outlet AS reported comments from Valencia director Miguel Angel Corona, who claimed that Atletico wanted to abandon their move for Gallagher in favour of Los Ches midfielder Javi Guerra. When asked about Guerra’s situation, Corona said: “What happened with Atlético is that there was a maximum agreement on Sunday between the president and the largest shareholder of Atlético de Madrid. The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week. “On Monday the documentation is developed with a closed agreement. On Wednesday morning we asked the owner of Atlético de Madrid, and they answered that they want to get out of the Gallagher operation. “We decided to leave there because we did not have the information that the operation was binding. Javi Guerra and we withdrew from the negotiation. “On Monday they told us ‘don’t worry, we are leaving the Gallagher operation, our only objective is Javi Guerra’. On Wednesday the largest shareholder apologises to us. ” With Gallagher having touched down in Madrid on Thursday morning to complete the move, it would appear that any potential Atletico U-turn is dead in the water and that the 24-year-old will be plying his trade at the Metropolitano Stadium, where he is set to play alongside Julian Alvarez, who is set to complete his move from Manchester City. Chelsea risk losing key talent with Real Madrid ready to exploit PSR tactic: report Chelsea linked with shock move for defender seemingly set for Newcastle United switch: report Chelsea's next Didier Drogba identified as former star urges transfer push Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1 *Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription Join now for unlimited access Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1 For more than a decade Joe Mewis has worked in football journalism as a reporter and editor, with stints at Mirror Football and Leeds Live among others. He is the author of four football history books that include times on Leeds United and the England national team. Wolves squad for 2024/25: Gary O'Neil's full team for the Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup Tottenham target Arsenal academy star who could cost £60m: report Manchester United: All 11 former Eredivisie players Erik ten Hag has signed Four Four Two is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site. ©
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