Chelsea’s rivals eye up Samu Omorodion in huge Conor Gallagher transfer boost

Gallagher's move to Atletico Madrid relies on them raising funds.

Aug 13, 2024 - 04:00

Chelsea’s rivals eye up Samu Omorodion in huge Conor Gallagher transfer boost

Spain Olympic Team Football Team Interview Portraits — Samu Omorodion decision to reject Chelsea has caused chaos in the transfer market (Photo: Getty)

Samu Omorodion may have rejected Chelsea but he could still be a Premier League player by the end of summer, according to reports.

The Atletico Madrid star shockingly turned down a move to Stamford Bridge at the 11th hour on Sunday after a disagreement over his contract and image rights.

As a result, Conor Gallagher’s transfer to Atletico is now in jeopardy and will collapse if the La Liga giants are unable to make a significant sale.

To that end, both clubs are working on a deal that would see Joao Felix return to Chelsea for around £40million, but it remains to be seen if Enzo Maresca actually wants the Portugal forward.

However, there is a chance Chelsea won’t need to bother signing an Atletico player as the Daily Mail reports that three other Premier League clubs are interested in Omorodion.

The 20-year-old is on the radar of West Ham, Bournemouth and Wolves, and if one of them were to sign the forward, it could save the Gallagher transfer and Chelsea some money to invest elsewhere.

All three sides are in the market for a new forward, Wolves and Bournemouth especially after selling Pedro Neto to the Blues and Dominic Solanke to Tottenham.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 19: Conor Gallagher of Chelsea applauds the supporters during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and AFC Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on May 19, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images) — Conor Gallagher’s move to Atletico Madrid is on hold (Photo: Getty)

Bournemouth are also eyeing up Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah as a possible Solanke replacement.

Additional reports claim that Bayer Leverkusen, Villarreal and Real Betis are also keeping tabs on Omorodion.

Chelsea had agreed to pay £34.5m for the Spaniard and a similar fee would be required by any prospective buyer in order to facilitate Gallagher’s move.

For his part, the England midfielder is still keen on securing his move to Spain and is currently in transfer limbo at a Madrid hotel.

The 24-year-old cannot train with his prospective new teammates so has been keeping fit on his own for the past five days but now faces an anxious wait to see if Atletico can raise the necessary funds.

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