Atlético Madrid are expecting a response from Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher either today or tomorrow after the Blues appeared to issue an ultimatum to him.
That’s according to AS and Mundo Deportivo, who both cover the midfielder today and why Atlético are keen to sign him.
We’ll start with the former, who report that Gallagher is ‘close’ to Atlético after being left out of Chelsea’s pre-season tour of the USA.
They say the Blues have given the midfielder an ultimatum, either accept their renewal offer or Atlético’s €40m bid to buy him, which has been accepted.
Chelsea want a decision either way to resolve the matter quickly and ‘the next few days should be decisive’ on that front, with the Spanish side expecting a response between today and tomorrow.
The doors to the Wanda Metropolitano have been opened and the Spanish side would be delighted to secure a player who they consider ‘a Swiss army knife in midfield’.
They believe he is a player that a manager, and particularly Diego Simeone, can ‘squeeze the most out of’ making use of his versatility but also his willingness to sacrifice himself defensively. Add that to his personality and he’s ‘the perfect cocktail’, hence their willingness to spend €40m on him.
AS, meanwhile, say Atlético reached an agreement with Chelsea a few days ago on a €40m deal and it is only Gallagher’s approval which is missing.
There has been contradictory reports on that front, but AS’ information is that Gallagher is not ruling out a renewal if Chelsea offer him more years, he was originally offered two, and his salary is in line with others in the squad.
Atlético are willing to wait to see how that plays out before sitting down with him but do believe there is a deal there to be done for a player they rate quite highly.
