Chelsea double transfer deal set to happen after being '60 sec from collapsing'

A double Chelsea transfer has been saved after being just seconds from collapse.

Conor Gallagher is Atletico Madrid-bound, with the England midfielder due to fly to Spain this week after the clubs finally agreed a fee of around £34million. However, the transfer was on the brink of being called off as Gallagher weighed up the move.

With Atletico keen to get a deal over the line, they forced Gallagher’s hand by imposing a deadline of last weekend, according to Sky Sports. The 24-year-old is said to have left it as late as possible, eventually deciding to sign just a minute before that deadline as per the same report.

His decision paves the way for Chelsea to complete the signing of Atletico striker Samu Omorodion, 20, for a similar fee. The 6ft 4 striker spent last season out on loan at Deportivo Alaves where he netted nine times. Gallagher, meanwhile, is reported to have agreed on a five-year contract with the La Liga giants with the deals now close to being completed.

Sky Sports News also reported that Chelsea had dropped their valuation for the player last week in a bid to get a deal over the line. It is claimed the Blues had offered Gallagher a new contract but on the understanding that he would be a squad player rather than a first-team regular.

That scenario would have potentially damaged his chances of establishing himself under the new England manager. It is understood Chelsea were "sympathetic" towards his international aspirations.

The Blues’ move for Omorodion was dependent on Atletico securing a replacement, with Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez on his way to the Wanda Metropolitano in a deal worth around £81million.

It is understood to be made up of a £64million initial fee, plus add-ons, and would be a record sale for City. It represents a significant profit on a player City signed from River Plate in his native Argentina in 2022 for £14m, and underlines City boss Pep Guardiola’s willingness to listen to market-value offers for any of their players.