Chelsea Agree Joao Felix Fee, Conor Gallagher to Join Atletico Madrid

Chelsea have reached an agreement in principle with Atletico Madrid for the transfer of forward Joao Felix. As part of the deal, midfielder Conor Gallagher will move in the opposite direction.

The fee for the 24-year-old Portugal international remains undisclosed. Felix is set to return to Stamford Bridge on a six-year contract with the possibility of an additional year, pending a medical examination. This move follows a loan spell at Chelsea in 2023, where Felix scored four goals in 20 appearances.

Gallagher is expected to sign a five-year contract with Atletico Madrid. He had been training alone at Chelsea's Cobham training ground after being left in limbo for a week. The delay in Gallagher's £33 million transfer to Madrid was due to the breakdown of Chelsea's negotiations for striker Samu Omorodion, which led to Atletico needing to raise funds through a significant sale.

Felix's transfer to Chelsea clears the way for Gallagher to finalize his move to Wanda Metropolitano Stadium. Gallagher was previously photographed at the stadium nine days ago, anticipating the transfer, but returned to London last Tuesday due to the delay.

In addition to focusing on player sales leading up to the deadline on August 30, Chelsea is interested in Napoli striker Victor Osimhen. Napoli continues its efforts to secure Romelu Lukaku on loan, with the Italian club having made a second offer of £25.5 million with an obligation to buy. Chelsea's asking price for Lukaku is approximately £35 million, making Napoli's offer likely to be rejected.