Atletico Madrid in talks to sign ex-Chelsea star as Conor Gallagher alternative

Atletico Madrid have opened talks to sign N’Golo Kante after Conor Gallagher’s move from Chelsea stalled, according to reports in Spain.

Atletico appeared to be on course to sign Gallagher after agreeing a €40 million (£34.5m) deal with Chelsea last week.

Gallagher also agreed personal terms with Atletico and had been staying in a hotel in Madrid since last Thursday in order to finalise his move.

But the collapse of Chelsea’s €40m (£34.5m) move for Atletico’s 20-year-old striker Samu Omorodion over the weekend has put the brakes on Gallagher’s switch to La Liga.

The England international has now returned to England, while Chelsea are in talks with Atletico over a deal for Joao Felix.

According to Relevo, Atletico are now reassessing their midfield targets and have made an initial approach about Kante’s availability.

The report claims that Atletico’s hierarchy have contacted Kante’s brother, who has informed the Spanish club that he would be open to a move to La Liga.

However, Atletico face a major stumbling block due to the salary Kante is earning with Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League and the 33-year-old would need to agree to a major wage reduction.

Las month, West Ham had also held talks to sign Kante, who delivered several impressive performances for France at Euro 2024.

West Ham submitted a £15m offer to Al-Ittihad but the Saudi club rejected the bid.

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