Chelsea have agreed a deal in precept to signal João Félix from Atlético Madrid, sources have instructed ESPN, in a transfer which ought to now see Conor Gallagher full his switch in the wrong way.
Talks have intensified in current days with Atlético needing to maneuver a participant out earlier than finalising a deal for Gallagher, who has been coaching away from the first-team group on the Blues’ Cobham base as he awaits information on his future.
The precise payment is unclear, however one supply instructed ESPN the ultimate package deal for Felix could possibly be value within the area of €50 million ($55.6 million) together with add-ons. The Portugal worldwide was not included in Diego Simeone’s squad for his or her LaLiga opener in opposition to Villarreal on Monday.
After Atleti’s 2-2 draw with Villarreal, Diego Simeone confirmed that Felix’s absence was because of “the switch market.”
“Quickly you’ll know what I’ve already been instructed,” Simeone mentioned with fun when he was requested about Felix.
Sources mentioned that Felix has agreed a six-year contract with the choice of an extra 12 months to rejoin the membership the place he spent six months on mortgage final yr, scoring 4 targets in 20 appearances.
Gallagher is now anticipated to journey to Madrid to finish a £34 million ($44.3 million) transfer, having already agreed private phrases and accomplished a medical.
Felix would change into Chelsea’s eleventh summer time signing after Pedro Neto, Tosin Adarabioyo, Kiernan Dewsbury-Corridor, Filip Jörgensen, Omari Kellyman, Aaron Anselmino, Caleb Wiley, Renato Veiga and Marc Guiu with Estevao Willian having agreed to hitch the Blues in 2025.
The 24-year-old’s imminent arrival will solid additional doubt on Raheem Sterling‘s standing on the membership after he was neglected of Sunday’s Premier League opening weekend loss to Manchester Metropolis at Stamford Bridge.
Sterling’s camp issued a press release to ESPN by which he insisted he had developed a optimistic relationship with head coach Enzo Maresca having featured in all six preseason matches, however he needed to “acquire readability on the state of affairs” after his omission.
The 29-year-old was additionally neglected of Chelsea’s squad for his or her Europa Convention League playoff first leg in opposition to Servette on Thursday.
Christopher Nkunku, Mykhailo Mudryk and Neto have been included in in opposition to Metropolis at Sterling’s expense.
