Conor Gallagher has landed in Madrid as he finally looks set to complete his move from Chelsea to Atletico Madrid.
Gallagher had agreed personal terms with the Spanish club weeks ago, but the deal fell into limbo after Chelsea ended their pursuit of Atletico forward Samu Omorodion.
The 24-year-old had been waiting in Madrid for his move to be finalised before returning to the UK as an air of uncertainty fell over the deal.
With Diego Simeone’s side needing to raise funds in order to complete the deal, Gallagher had been training alone at the Blues’ Cobham training base since returning from the Spanish capital.
However, according to a report from The Athletic, the deal is now back on and Gallagher has returned to Madrid on Tuesday evening to finally complete a move away from his boyhood club.
Conor Gallagher poses with airport staff after landing in Madrid ahead of his Atletico move
Gallagher is finally set to complete his move to Atletico following a protracted transfer saga
The England international is set to sign a five-year deal at the Stadio Metropolitano that will run until 2029, with the deal said to be worth €42million (£35.8m), including an undisclosed sell-on fee.
With an agreement already in place the move is expected to be officially unveiled imminently.
On Monday, Chelsea finalised terms to make Portuguese forward Joao Felix their ninth senior signing of the summer.
In doing so, funds were freed up for Gallagher to become just the second England international ever to play for Atletico, following his Three Lions team-mate Kieran Trippier.
Gallagher has made 95 appearances in all competitions for the Blues after joining the club at the age of eight.
With Reece James ruled out through injury, the midfielder regularly deputised as captain last term as they recovered from a dismal start under Mauricio Pochettino to secure European football.
Under new boss Enzo Maresca however, Gallagher’s long-term future at the club appeared much less certain with his deal set to expire in June as he turned down two contract extensions, opening the potential for a move to Atletico.
Atletico boss Diego Simeone is finally set to land the Chelsea midfielder after heavy links
Atletico have freed up funds with the sale of Joao Felix to the Stamford Bridge club
Los Colchoneros finished fourth in La Liga last season, marking their lowest league position in over a decade.
The club kicked off their current campaign on Monday, playing out a 2-2 draw away to Villarreal.