Chelsea Agree to Joao Felix Deal, Conor Gallagher Set for Atletico Madrid Switch

Chelsea have reportedly reached an agreement in principle with Atletico Madrid to sign forward Joao Felix, with Conor Gallagher set to move in the opposite direction as part of the deal. While the exact fee for the 24-year-old Portugal international remains undisclosed, Felix is expected to return to Stamford Bridge on a six-year contract, with an option for an additional season.

This move marks a return for Felix after his 2023 loan spell at Chelsea, during which he scored four goals in 20 appearances. The transfer is pending a medical examination, but it signifies Chelsea’s commitment to reinforcing their attacking options under the current transfer strategy.

As part of the deal, England midfielder Conor Gallagher will sign a five-year contract with Atletico Madrid. Gallagher’s move had been in limbo due to Chelsea’s stalled negotiations for striker Samu Omorodion, delaying his £33 million switch to Madrid. Atletico, in need of raising funds for Felix’s transfer, will now finalize Gallagher’s move, paving the way for him to join the La Liga side.

Gallagher had been training alone at Chelsea’s Cobham facility, awaiting the resolution of his future. He was previously spotted at Atletico’s Wanda Metropolitano Stadium nine days ago, signaling his impending move, before complications forced him to return to London temporarily.

With the transfer window closing on August 30, Chelsea’s focus is shifting towards player sales, but they remain keen on acquiring Napoli striker Victor Osimhen. Napoli, meanwhile, continues their pursuit of Chelsea’s Romelu Lukaku. The Italian club has reportedly made a second loan offer for Lukaku, including a £25.5 million obligation to buy, which is expected to be rejected as it falls short of Chelsea’s £35 million asking price.

As the transfer deadline approaches, Chelsea’s activities in the market reflect a strategic approach to building a squad capable of challenging on multiple fronts, while balancing the books through key player sales. The addition of Joao Felix and the departure of Conor Gallagher are significant steps in that direction.

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