Atlético de Madrid have been working for several days to close a deal with Chelsea. The red-and-whites had closed the signing of Conor Gallagher, in exchange for Samu Omorodion playing for the London club. However, the English team broke the agreement at the last minute and everything became complicated.
Gil Marín knew and knows that Gallagher is a player that Simeone really likes and he started looking for ways to bring him in. Atlético de Madrid have been very angry with Chelsea for breaking the agreement at the last minute. After ruling out the sale of Samu Omorodion to the English club, the colchoneros put the name of Joao Félix on the table.
The Portuguese, despite having a good pre-season, wants to leave the red-and-white club and the club wants to sell him. Chelsea saw Joao's name as a valid one and so began new negotiations that are very close to being closed.
Agreement imminent
Atlético de Madrid have been calming Gallgher down these days, as they would work tirelessly to bring him in. According to what we have learned from this source, an agreement between the red-and-whites and Chelsea is imminent. The English have accepted Joao Félix as a bargaining chip and have increased the amount of money they will pay for him.
Initially, the "blues" will pay 45 million euros in fixed terms plus variables, as yet unknown, to get Joao Felix. Atlético de Madrid wanted to get 60 million for him, but they seem to see this amount as sufficient. If nothing goes wrong, the agreement could be announced in the next few hours or at the end of this week.
Atlético de Madrid would thus keep their word to Gallagher and bring Simeone the midfielder they had asked for. Joao Félix has already given his approval to play for Chelsea, having had a good experience there during his loan two seasons ago.
Jorge Mendes, the architect
With Jorge Mendes involved, it was not difficult to know that he would find a good offer for Joao Felix. The Portuguese agent was in London closing the transfer of Pedro Neto to Chelsea and took advantage of this to address this issue.
Gallagher is in London waiting for the final green light, something that seems imminent. On the other hand, Joao Felix has not trained today with Atlético due to alleged discomfort. It seems that Joao's soap opera as a rojiblanco could end definitively in a few days.