Terms have been settled at club level with Atletico agreeing to pay around £34million in exchange for Gallagher’s signature. The 24-year-old was in Madrid over the weekend to undergo a medical and finalise the details of his contract, but the deal is no longer a formality.
Chelsea were set to sign Atletico youngster Samu Omorodion as part of the agreement but that move has since collapsed. The Blues are reportedly trying to land Joao Felix instead, which if successful will allow Gallagher to complete his move to Atletico as originally planned.
Tottenham, however, could throw a spanner in the works if they can convince Gallagher that he would be better off joining them. They have been linked with a potential move for some time and have reportedly been monitoring his situation at Stamford Bridge this summer.
A move to Spurs could appeal to Gallagher for several reasons, with one being that he would not have to relocate to Spain and spend time learning a new language. The north Londoners would probably be able to offer him more money than Atletico, given the riches enjoyed by the Premier League’s biggest clubs.
It would also help Gallagher to remain firmly in the England picture rather than risk being forgotten about by making a move abroad. Several big-name players, including the likes of Fikayo Tomori and Tammy Abraham, have been overlooked by the Three Lions since leaving for continental Europe.
Gallagher could simply refuse to join Atletico if Tottenham can swing proceedings in their favour with a convincing sales pitch. Such a development would prevent Chelsea from bringing Felix back to Stamford Bridge, unless they decide to renegotiate the move as a standalone deal.
However, it remains to be seen whether Chelsea would be willing to step away from talks with Atletico in order to sell Gallagher to a direct rival. It goes without saying that a move to Spain would be their preference but Tottenham could emerge as unlikely candidates to land the midfielder if that deal falls flat.
