Atletico Madrid and Chelsea are still in talks for Joao Felix 48 hours after the topic was first broached, after the deal for Samu Omorodion collapsed. However those talks are not expected to elongate too much.
Los Colchoneros will demand more money for Felix than for Omorodion, as per Matteo Moretto, who explained to Fabrizio Romano’s Daily Briefing that Atletico were highly frustrated with Chelsea. In the meantime, Conor Gallagher remains in limbo, having reportedly signed his deal with Atletico, and begun training with the side.
💣🚨 BREAKING: Chelsea has asked Conor Gallagher to return to London on Tuesday and is arranging his flight.
The door remains open for Gallagher to join Atlético Madrid after his medical, pending agreement from all parties.
Chelsea views each deal separately, including João… pic.twitter.com/9LoJ7XFbft
— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) August 12, 2024
The talks for Felix are not expected to last too long for Felix, due in part to the tension between the two clubs now, and in part due to Gallagher. Fabrizio Romano has since noted that Chelsea could ask him to return to training, but the England international wants to resolve his future as soon as possible.
It’s been a messy ordeal for both sides, and if Los Colchoneros lose out on Gallagher, then it will be a blow to their plans for the season, with just over two weeks remaining in the transfer window. That said, should they be able to offload Felix, that would be a feather in Andrea Berta’s cap, as they have been looking to do so for two summers now.
