Transfer News: Gallagher bows to pressure, set to join Atletico Madrid

Gallagher to Atletico, Rodriguez to Betis, Muokoko to Marseille, Pepe to Villarreal, and AC Milan bids for Emerson Royal.

Connor Gallagher has agreed to join Atletico Madrid, the Spanish side will now iron things out with the Blues for a permanent transfer of their assistant captain. (Photo credit: Sky Sports)

It’s the weekend, and you probably think transfer talks will simmer until Monday. You’re wrong, because things are going on with clubs making calls and flying around to tie things up. Let’s look at a few of the stories making headlines.

Connor Gallagher agrees to transfer to Atletico.

After a summer of back and forth, England midfielder Connor Gallagher has agreed to a move to former La Liga champions Atletico Madrid, and is expected to move in the coming days.

The Blues must sell to balance books ahead of FFP investigations, and the academy product has been singled out as collateral damage. The agreed-upon €40 million move will set a new record for the highest transfer fee in La Liga this summer, as we wait to see how Chelsea's midfield shapes up.

Real Betis is about to sign Ricardo Rodriguez.

Swiss journeyman Ricardo Rodriguez is on the verge of signing for Spanish La Liga side Real Betis on Monday after agreeing a move.

After a successful medical, Rodriguez will become a free agent and leave Torino to join Real Betis on Monday. The former AC Milan left-back just returned from a summer holiday after being a part of Switzerland’s Euro 2024 campaign.

Muokoko confirms his transfer to Marseille.

Borussia Dortmund playmaker Youssuf Muokoko has confirmed Olympic Marseille as his preferred destination on Sunday. The French side now must tidy up loose ends with Borussia Dortmund.

Both clubs are working hard to find quick solutions to the situation, but the player is convinced of Roberto Di Zerbi's plans and wants to be a part of the project.

Nicolas Pepe cries his way to a deal with Villarreal.

Remember the recent rants of a former Arsenal winger across social media platforms? It has yielded the desired fruit, as Nicolas Pepe signed for Spanish La Liga side Villarreal on a free transfer.

Pepe was in the news two weeks ago, sending words to everyone who criticised his Arsenal form, and he cited the price tag as the reason he didn’t shine at Arsenal. Best wishes to the Ivorian as he embarks on a new journey with the Yellow Submarines.

AC Milan officially announces Emerson Royal's interest.

Again, it’s important to ask what AC Milan is thinking, but they have submitted a bid of €15 million, which includes add-ons for Brazilian fullback Emerson Royal, with Tottenham keen to get him off.

Emerson Royal was part of Tottenham’s defensive problems last season, failing to deputise intelligently for Destiny Udogie, which would excite Ange Postecoglou to see him exit the club. AC Milan anticipates no difficulties in negotiating for the Brazilian.