Chelsea 'fly Conor Gallagher back from Spain' as Atletico Madrid transfer chaos continues

Chelsea are reportedly flying Conor Gallagher back to London as uncertainty persists over his move to Atletico Madrid. The England midfielder has already completed his medical in the Spanish capital but the move has been jeopardised by Chelsea’s swoop for Samu Omorodion falling through.

Gallagher is believed to have spent the past five days in a Madrid hotel. The 24-year-old has been training alone ahead of the new season while waiting patiently for Chelsea and Atletico to finalise his £34million switch.

But issues during contract negotiations saw the sale of Omorodion to Chelsea collapse at a late stage, denying the Rojiblancos a hefty chunk of cash.

Having recently splashed £81.5m on Julian Alvarez, selling Omorodion is thought to be vital for Atletico to raise the cash necessary to purchase Gallagher.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have booked a flight for Gallagher to return to London today (Tuesday). The decision suggests that the finish line may now be some way away for the midfielder, although his move could still progress quickly if both parties decide to push forward.

The Blues recently held talks with the representatives of Atletico star Joao Felix over a move which could reignite Gallagher’s overseas transfer. Gallagher was initially thought to be against leaving Stamford Bridge, having made almost 100 appearances for his boyhood club since graduating from their academy in 2022.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca claims that Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), which incentivise the sale of academy players, effectively forced the club’s hand. “This is not Chelsea’s problem,” he said. “This is the rules problem.

“The clubs are compelled to sell players because of the rules. The intention from Chelsea is not to sell – but the rules in the end make us. My personal opinion is it’s a shame because we all like to see a one-club man. If we want to promote academy players – yes, change the rule.”

On Gallagher’s situation specifically, the Italian added: “What I know is Conor and the club are talking about a decision. Hopefully, the final decision will be something good for Conor and the club.”

Gallagher was almost ever-present for Chelsea last season, appearing in all bar one of their Premier League matches and regularly captaining the side in the absence of Reece James and Ben Chilwell. Before his promotion to the Blues’ first team, he banked valuable experience during loan spells at Charlton Athletic, Swansea City, West Bromwich Albion and Crystal Palace.