Chelsea are set to resume negotiations with Atletico Madrid this weekend to finalise a deal involving Conor Gallagher and Joao Felix, according to The Telegraph.
The Blues saw a proposed move for Gallagher to the Spanish capital collapse earlier this week after they pulled out of a deal to sign Atletico’s Samu Omorodion.
Atletico have identified the English midfielder as a key target but need funds to complete the deal, hence the Omorodion negotiations.
To overcome this impasse, they have offered Felix to Chelsea as part of the negotiations. The 24-year-old joined the west London outfit on loan during the 2022/23 season and is eager to return to Chelsea permanently, but the Blues are determined to secure the deal on their terms.
While there’s optimism that Felix is willing to reduce his salary to meet the club’s wage demands, a fee for the player still needs to be agreed. It would be significantly lower than the €126 million Atletico paid Benfica for his signature.
Chelsea’s move for Felix has divided the club’s fanbase, with many eager to see the playmaker return to Stamford Bridge. However, others are wary of his attitude, lack of established playing position, and inefficient production.
The West Londoners need a left-winger, but the former Benfica man has looked isolated when playing off the flanks in Madrid and Barcelona.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Gallagher’s future, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has confirmed that the midfielder is training away from the first team as the club explores potential options.
His transfer away from the club has also caused a rift among club fans, with many clamouring for the boyhood Chelsea fan, Cobham academy graduate and captain to stay.
Meanwhile, Chelsea continue to pursue Napoli striker Victor Osimhen as they look to bolster their attacking options. The Nigerian international marksman would be a major coup for the Blues.
The Serie A champions are reportedly interested in Romelu Lukaku as a potential makeweight in any deal for Osimhen.
