Transfer: Chelsea agree deal to sign Joao Felix as Gallagher sets to join Madrid

Chelsea have reached an agreement with Atletico Madrid for the permanent signing of Portugal forward Joao Felix while midfielder Conor Gallagher is set to sign a five-year deal with Atletico.

The Blues agreed a fee in principle for Felix, who enjoyed six months on loan during the 2022-23 season and scored four goals in 20 appearances for Chelsea in 2023, to return to Stamford Bridge. After his short stint at Chelsea, he then spent last term on loan at Barcelona, registering 10 goals and six assists in 44 games.

The 24-year-old has agreed personal terms on a six-year contract with the option of an additional 12 months and his move is subject to a medical at the club.

Joao Felix has been capped 41 times by Portugal and made two appearances for his country at the European Championship before returning to Atletico for pre-season.

He would become Chelsea’s ninth summer signing, following the arrivals of Tosin Adarabioyo, Omari Kellyman, Marc Guiu, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Renato Veiga, Caleb Wiley, Aaron Anselmino and Pedro Neto.

For English midfielder Gallagher, he is set to complete a move to Madrid after weeks of speculations over his future at Chelsea.

Felix’s move to Chelsea will pave the way for Gallagher to sign for Atletico, where he was pictured at nine days ago in anticipation of a move before a delay forced him to fly back to London last Tuesday.

The Blues are still interested in Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, as the Italian club continue their efforts to sign Romelu Lukaku after making a second offer to sign him on loan with a £25.5m obligation to buy.

Lukaku remains on Chelsea’s books but he is uncertain over his future at Stamford Bridge.

Vanguard