Atletico Madrid and Chelsea are reportedly in talks with Atletico Madrid over a deal for midfielder Conor Gallagher.
Gallagher, who has less than a year remaining on his contract at Stamford Bridge, is expected to leave his boyhood club this summer, despite his desire to stay in west London.
In recent months, La Liga giants have emerged as a potential destination for Gallagher, and they have now solidified their interest.
Football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, reported that the Spanish club is currently negotiating with Chelsea for the 24-year-old, who is their top midfield target.
Taking to his X account on Tuesday, Romano wrote, “Negotiations underway for package worth around €35/40m add-ons included, requested by Chelsea. Gallagher, on top of Atlético list as revealed in May — now getting closer.”
Chelsea is reportedly asking for an initial fee of €35m to €40m, £29.5m to £33.7m, plus additional add-ons.
Reports revealed that Atletico had also considered Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino as a more affordable midfield option, with Arsenal also eyeing the Euro 2024 winner.
Gallagher played more games than any other Chelsea player during the 2023/24 season. Former head coach Mauricio Pochettino, who left by mutual consent in May, frequently emphasized the midfielder’s importance to the team.
Nevertheless, Chelsea has several other midfielders under longer-term contracts, including Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia, Cesare Casadei, Carney Chukwuemeka, and Lesley Ugochukwu. They also signed Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from Leicester City earlier this summer.
Tottenham Hotspur has also shown a long-standing interest in Gallagher, although they have already signed a new midfielder, Archie Gray from Leeds United, for £40m during the summer transfer window.
Aston Villa has been linked with Gallagher as well and has completed transactions with Chelsea in recent months. Ian Maatsen transferred to Villa Park for £37.5m, while Omari Kellyman moved to Chelsea for £19m.
