Chelsea are preparing for major squad changes ahead of the 2024/25 Premier League season with Joao Felix possibly a return to Stamford Bridge.
The Blues are working on several transfer deals to expand Enzo Maresca’s options and clear squad players from the payroll.
According to the latest update, a €40 million ($44 million) deal to sign Spanish U21 international Samu Omorodion from Atletico Madrid has fallen through due to rumors of him failing a medical.
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This has led to changes in both Madrid and London; Felix is now back in the game while Atletico look to optimise terms for the transfer of Blues midfielder Conor Gallagher.
With Omorodion now set to stay in Madrid, Atletico have proposed a player swap deal that would allow Gallagher to move to the Spanish capital for free.
This would allow Diego Simeone to complete a deal with the England international and offload Felix, who has openly expressed his desire to leave the Estadio Metropolitano.
Simeone will have to reduce his overall spending as the Omorodion fee is no longer available and he spent €95 million ($103.7 million) to sign Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid.
Sorry, our graphic designers are not here 😬 pic.twitter.com/ZeBEfIDAng
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) 12 August 2024
Despite a mixed review of his time under Simeone, Chelsea are confident they can revive the best version of Felix, who scored four EPL goals while on loan at the Blues in the second half of the 2022/23 season.
According to the latest information from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, a return of Felix would ruin Romelu Lukaku and Raheem Sterling.
🚨🔵 Chelsea will also work on departures in the next few days.
Lukaku is expected to move to Napoli, Raheem Sterling can leave if João Félix returns.
As it turns out, Noni Madueke is a person to keep an eye on if Newcastle are interested and receive good offers.
Diego Moreira is considering a loan to Strasbourg. pic.twitter.com/ndX3qp979V
– Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) 12 August 2024
Lukaku scored 13 goals in Serie A last season while on loan at AS Roma, but Italian rivals Napoli are close to signing the Belgian international as Sterling has attracted interest from Juventus.
The arrival of Felix as a direct swap for Gallagher would be a positive step for Chelsea’s bid to stay within the EPL’s stricter financial rules and the release of Lukaku and Sterling will only strengthen their ability to maintain their strong financial position.
