Could Conor Gallagher stay at Chelsea after latest transfer update?

Chelsea have requested that Conor Gallagher return to England as the midfielder's proposed move to Atletico Madrid faces potential collapse. 

The transfer, valued at £33.7 million, has hit a roadblock due to Atletico's need to offload a player to accommodate the deal.

While Gallagher has already undergone a medical in Madrid and is eager to join the Spanish club, the delay in finalising the transfer has prompted Chelsea to intervene.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the midfielder is due to return to London on Tuesday, although the transfer expert clarified that the move has not collapsed.

In a separate deal, the Blues are also exploring the possibility of re-signing Joao Felix on a permanent deal.

The Portuguese forward spent the second half of the 2022-23 season on loan at Chelsea and had a mixed time in West London, where he notched four goals in 20 appearances in all competitions. 

Atletico are open to selling Felix for a transfer significantly lower than the €126 million (£113 million) they paid for him in 2019, with the Madrid outfit willing to accept a fee of around £40 million to let the Portuguese leave. 

Chelsea are said to be open to Raheem Sterling or Noni Madueke leaving if they sign Felix, with the recent acquisition of Pedro Neto giving the Blues much-needed quality on the flanks. 

Enzo Maresca’s men host Manchester City in their Premier League opener on August 18.