Samu Omorodion’s proposed move from Atletico Madrid to Chelsea has collapsed at the 11th hour, talkSPORT understands.
The Blues pulled out of a deal to prise the 20-year-old away from the Wanda Metropolitano following late complications.
Chelsea’s initial £36million swoop to sign the striker was negotiated alongside Atletico’s pursuit of Conor Gallagher.
The England international is currently in Madrid after the the west Londoners accepted an initial £33million offer for the midfielder.
Both Chelsea and Atletico are still optimistic that the transfer won’t fall through.
But in a blow for Diego Simeone’s men, they were reliant on the £36m they would have pocketed from Omorodion to fund their deal to sign Julian Alvarez.
talkSPORT reported last week how the Spanish giants have agreed a transfer in excess of £80m with Manchester City for the forward, who like Gallagher, remains in the Spanish capital.
All parties are now urgently working on a solution – which could see Joao Felix return to Stamford Bridge on a permanent deal.
The versatile Portuguese attacker spent the second half of the 2022/23 season on loan at Chelsea, where he was notably sent off on his debut in an away defeat to Fulham.
But he proved to be a huge fan favourite with the Blues faithful – despite an underwhelming four goals in 16 top-flight matches.
It is understood that talks have taken place over Chelsea signing Felix for a fee of around £43million.
His agent Jorge Mendes is already in London where he held discussions with Chelsea regarding the player on Sunday.
Mendes was at Stamford Bridge for Chelsea’s 1-1 pre-season friendly with Inter Milan for Pedro Neto’s announcement from Wolves for £51m.
Felix is understood to be keen on a return to Chelsea having spent last season on loan at Barcelona, where he scored ten goals in 44 games in all competitions.
Despite Felix’s potential arrival, Enzo Maresca’s side remain interested in Napoli marksman Victor Osimhen.
Meanwhile talks are expected to continue between Chelsea and the 2023 Serie A champions regarding Romelu Lukaku in a separate deal.
The Belgian is desperate to depart Chelsea back-to-back loan spells at Inter and Roma respectively.
And a move to Napoli would see him reunited with Antonio Conte, who he won the Scudetto with at Inter in 2021.
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News Summary:
- Chelsea transfer collapses leaving Atletico Madrid scrambling to save Conor Gallagher and Julian Alvarez deals
- Check all news and articles from the latest Football updates.