Chelsea Transfer News Roundup: Blues suffer Samu Omorodion setback; club eyeing Joao Felix reunion, and more - August 12, 2024

Chelsea finished sixth in the Premier League last season and are working to improve their squad over the summer. Enzo Maresca has been stationed at the hot seat at Stamford Bridge in June, replacing Mauricio Pochettino.

Meanwhile, the Blues have suffered a setback in their efforts to sign Atletico Madrid striker Samu Omorodion this year. Elsewhere, the London giants are working to bring Atletico attacker Joao Felix back to the club.

On that note, here's a look at the key Chelsea transfer stories as on August 12, 2024:

---

Chelsea suffer Samu Omorodion setback

Samu Omorodion

Samu Omorodion's move to Chelsea has collapsed, according to reputed journalist David Ornstein. The Blues are looking for a new No. 9 this year and have apparently identified the Spaniard as an option.

Omorodion was impressive on loan at Alaves last season, scoring nine goals and setting up one in 36 games across competitions. The. Blues have reportedly agreed a £34.5 million move with Atletico Madrid to sign the 20-year-old this summer.

The Spaniard was scheduled to travel for his medical soon, but it appears that the deal is now off. Ornstein has reported that the transfer has broken down due to problems in finalising the contract. As such, the 20-year-old won't move to Chelsea this summer.

---

Blues eyeing Joao Felix reunion

Joao Felix

Chelsea are willing to bring Joao Felix back to Stamford Bridge as part of the Conor Gallagher deal, according to acclaimed transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. The English midfielder is in talks to join Atletico Madrid this summer.

Los Rojiblancos have a €40 million agreement in place with the Blues for the 24-year-old. The player is reportedly in Spain to complete a deal, but an announcement has been delayed to help the London giants complete a deal for Samu Omorodion.

However, with the Spaniard's move to Stamford Bridge collapsing, things have become a bit complicated. The La Liga giants have already agreed a blockbuster deal with Manchester City for Julian Alvarez. They need funds to sign the Argentinian and have to rely on player sales again.

Atletico Madrid have now initiated talks with Chelsea to offload Joao Felix as part of a deal for Gallagher. The Portuguese spent the second-half of the 2022-23 season on loan with the Blues and is now braced for a return.

The 24-year-old is no longer part of plans at the Civitas Metropolitan Stadium and was sent out on loan to Barcelona last season. He's eager to return to the Camp Nou this summer but could end up in London instead.

---

Pedro Neto joins Chelsea

Pedro Neto

Pedro Neto has completed his move to Stamford Bridge, Chelsea have confirmed. The Portuguese was impressive for Wolverhampton Wanderers last season, despite missing much of the campaign with injury.

Neto registered three goals and 11 assists in 24 games across competitions for the Midlands club. He was a much sought-after man this summer, with multiple clubs eyeing him with interest. Arsenal were also linked with a move for Neto in the past, but the Blues moved quickly to steal a march on their local rivals.

Maresca has identified the attack as an area that needs special attention. Neto could be an upgrade on the likes of Noni Madueke and Mykhailo Mudryk at Stamford Bridge.

Speaking to the club's website, the Portuguese insisted that he's eager to start a new chapter in his life.

"I feel really grateful to have joined this club. I have worked really hard in my career to be here, and I’m looking forward to getting on the pitch with this shirt," said Neto.

The 24-year-old's injury record could be a cause for concern, as he has missed 50 games for club and country in the last two seasons.