Chelsea's hopes of signing €80m star are OVER

Cameron Smith

• 15 Jul 2024 20:45 BST
• 3 min read

Chelsea’s hopes of signing Atletico Madrid forward Samu Omorodion are all but over following news that Alvaro Morata is on the verge of joining AC Milan.

After missing out on Joshua Zirkzee, Milan have quickly turned their attention to Morata and they have informed Atleti of their intention to trigger his €13m release clause.

That is according to Fabrizio Romano, who has revealed that Morata has agreed personal terms with Milan as he prepares to join the Rossoneri.

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In the process, the ex-Chelsea forward is set to end his former club’s pursuit of the aforementioned Omorodion.

Memphis Depay has already left Atletico Madrid upon the expiration of his contract and with Morata set to join him, the Spanish giants have just two legitimate centre forward options for next season.

One is Antoine Griezmann, who is more of a second striker, and the other is Omorodion.

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The 20-year-old had recently emerged as a key target for Chelsea, following an impressive loan spell at Alaves last season, but Atletico have placed an €80m price tag on his head and have no intention of selling him.

Furthermore, with Morata departing, the chances of Omorodion being allowed to leave have diminished significantly and Chelsea will likely have to turn their attention to alternative options.

Omorodion scored eight goals on loan at Alaves last campaign and is expected to be handed a significant first-team role with Atletico Madrid in 2024-25.

Atletico Madrid want Conor Gallagher

Although Atleti are extremely unlikely to sell Omorodion, they remain interested in Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher.

The England international has just one year left on his current contract at Stamford Bridge and Diego Simeone has reportedly identified Gallagher as his first-choice midfield target.

Saul Niguez has joined Sevilla on loan, and Atletico Madrid are pursuing Gallagher as they search for a replacement.

Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa have both been linked with the 24-year-old, but his most likely next step, if he leaves Chelsea, appears to be the Wanda Metropolitano.