The Conor Gallagher transfer saga is showing no signs of nearing a conclusion, and the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Arsenal cannot yet be ruled out.
Spurs have been heavily linked with Gallagher for most of the summer, while Villa reportedly opened talks for the Chelsea man and the Gunners are said to have enquired about him too.
Meanwhile, Gallagher has been frozen out at Stamford Bridge and is expected to secure a move away from west London before deadline day.
It looked as though the likes of Tottenham, Villa and Arsenal were set to miss out on the England international after he agreed a move to Atletico Madrid.
Gallagher had agreed a £36million move to the Wanda Metropolitano and he even travelled to the Spanish capital with a view to completing the deal.
However, talks between the Blues and Atletico stalled, and the midfielder has since returned to London for the time being.
Fabrizio Romano has now shared an update on the Gallagher saga, taking to YouTube on Thursday evening with the latest.
Fabrizio Romano says Chelsea and Atletico Madrid still in talks over Conor Gallagher and Joao Felix
“I can guarantee that at this time, Thursday night, Chelsea are still actively working on the Joao Felix and Gallagher story,” began Romano.
“I know it’s a crazy saga, I know it’s gone quiet in the last 24-48 hours and probably – for all parties involved, including agents, players, clubs, directors – is better.
“Including fans, too, because we had too many things happening in the last 10 days on this story.
“It’s been a crazy couple of days with the story, now it’s gone quiet in the media, but behind the scenes the conversations are taking place.
“So I can guarantee that Chelsea are still working on the Joao Felix deal with Atletico Madrid and with the agent of the player, Jorge Mendes.
“Atletico Madrid are still trying to find a way for Conor Gallagher because they want (him), so they are still working on the deal with Chelsea and with the player.
“The player already did everything with Atletico Madrid, so the contract is done, it’s ready, they just need to fix the situation with Chelsea after the Samu Omorodion issue.
“So now, work in progress for Joao Felix, negotiations ongoing, let’s see what happens… I will keep you posted!”
Gallagher would be an asset for any Premier League club
The likes of Tottenham, Villa and Arsenal will no doubt be keeping tabs on the Gallagher situation.
Should talks between Chelsea and Atletico collapse, they will sense an opportunity to pounce.
At just 24 years of age, Gallagher has already captained Chelsea and is a regular for England.
The situation he finds himself in is not the norm for a player of his quality, so hopefully he will be able to leave Chelsea as soon as he can.