Chelsea close to 'final agreement' over £51.1m star amid Enzo Maresca's Conor Gallagher transfer admission
Chelsea are said to be edging closer to a deal to land another big-money deal.
Chelsea are said to be closing on a major deal that would see a former loan star return to the club. The Blues are ramping up their transfer efforts as the season gets underway and the end of the window comes into sight.
Enzo Maresca’s men get their campaign up and running on Sunday when they face Premier League champions Manchester City. A number of new signings will be involved, with the likes of Pedro Neto and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall among the big-money signings.
Chelsea are being tipped to land a big-money striker before the window closes, while former loan man Joao Felix is being tipped to return on a permanent deal from Atletico Madrid. Though, the deal is being discussed at the same time as Conor Gallagher’s possible departure to Atletico, with the clubs struggling to agree a deal over recent weeks.
Gallagher actually travelled to Spain at one point but later returned after the clubs failed to close a deal. Providing an update on the deal, transfer ‘insider’ Fabrizio Romano tweeted: “Understand Chelsea and Atlético are getting closer to final agreement for João Félix and Conor Gallagher! Positive round of talks today, João says yes to contract terms. Rumours on €60m fixed fee for Félix are not true. All parties working to get it done this weekend.”
What Maresca has said
Asked about more departures this summer, Maresca said in his Friday press conference: “This question is for Paul and Laurence. They are trying to find solutions for these type of players. I am not the guy in charge of finding solutions for young players, otherwise they have to pay me double [laughs].”
He added on Gallagher specifically: “Conor is back. He is training apart. He is doing some medical tests and some training. He won't be involved in the game. At this moment, he is trying to find a solution with the club.”
As for Felix and Blues-linked Victor Osimhen, Maresca said: “The only thing I can say, I have to say the same: They are not our players, so it's not correct to talk about a Napoli player or an Atletico Madrid player.”