Fabrizio Romano has just put out a Tweet giving a major exclusive update on the progress of Conor Gallagher’s move to Atletico Madrid.
This is a connection which was suggested for a long time earlier in the summer, without anything concrete really materialising. Now, suddenly things are moving. Romano says that the two clubs are in “direct talks” over the transfer, and that “negotiations are underway.”
The academy midfielder is “top of Atletico’s list”, and they are keen to get their hands on a dynamic player who we can see absolutely shining in Diego Simeone’s system. A week ago we heard they were preparing a new offer, and it seems that open talks are now underway as a transfer becomes a reality.
Gallagher’s great season allowed us to believe a new contract was still on the cards, but it’s now clear that’s not happening. There’s been no talk of it all summer, and his imminent return from holiday hasn’t changed that. Fans will have to accept he’s going.
https://twittercom/FabrizioRomano/status/1818179727539982465
Gallagher compromise quickly found as both clubs realise the reality of their position
This is the outcome we’ve been predicting for some time now.
Chelsea’s initial demands of €50m and Atletico’s initial bid of €20m were miles apart, but it always felt a bit like posturing. We knew we were unlikely to get that for a player with one year left on their deal, and Atletico knew they weren’t getting an England midfielder with lots of Premier League games played for such a low number.
Now both sides have met in the middle, Atletico get their man and Chelsea’s sporting directors finally get their wish of moving a valuable “pure profit” asset from our books. The fact that he was one of our few consistently good players last season has been quickly forgotten.
