A man in a black jacket and dark tie stands in the center of the image, with a football player to his left and a green check mark to his right.

The possible 180º turn that Atlético would take if Gallagher does not arrive: a hidden signing

If the English footballer ends up staying at Chelsea or another team, the club is already planning his replacement

Diego Pablo Simeone is missing few pieces to close one of the best transfer markets in recent years. The additions of Robin Le Normand , Alexander Sorloth and Julián Alavrez cover positions that caused several problems last season. However, several additions still need to be made, especially for the defence and midfield.

A soccer player with his back turned wearing the number 19 jersey and the name
Julian Alvarez, the star of the red and white market | X: @Atleti

The Argentine coach hinted at this in his first press conference of the season, where he commented that "we are working to finalise the squad as it should be finalised." This could refer to the signing of Conor Gallagher , a player who currently occupies the first position to reinforce the midfield. A player who is very much to Simeone 's taste, and who was very close to making his arrival official if it weren't for the problems that arose between Samu and Chelsea .

Various problems with the Spanish striker's contract prevented the deal and that of Conor Gallagher from being closed, as they were simultaneous. Everything was on track, in fact, the player was seen at the Metropolitano and later Atlético confirmed that he was at the stadium while they were negotiating with the "blues". It was at that moment that the red-and-whites even informed Valencia of their decision not to sign Javi Guerra , who was the second option in case the Englishman failed.

Javi Guerra is still plan B

Both negotiations were well on their way, but ended up going up in smoke and today neither of the two players wear the red and white. However, this is not a sign that the club is following them closely, and even though Conor Gallagher is the main target , they are not giving up on Guerra . So much so that they could even go back for the Valencia midfielder if they do not manage to resolve the problems between the Englishman and his club during the last days of the transfer market.

This is what TheAthletic reports, who claim that the red-and-whites have the young Valencia CF player in their sights. It remains to be seen what the "che" team's stance will be in the face of a new call from Atlético de Madrid , as they did not like the way the agreement was handled. However , it must be remembered that the good negotiations between Peter Lim and Gil Marín were key to reaching the agreement in question in just a few hours.

It is therefore not ruled out that, if Conor Gallagher does not end up defending the shield of Atlético de Madrid , Javi Guerra would do so. A footballer who would leave for a much lower price than the English midfielder, and who at 21 years of age has a great projection that is liked at the Metropolitano . Thus, the evolution of the negotiations between the red-and-white club and Chelsea will have to be closely followed.

Something that could not only affect these two clubs, but Valencia could also be affected if Gil Marín wants to go after his promising player again. It will be one of the big soap operas of the summer, and it is expected to be concluded in the next few days. However, we could have a new chapter very soon.