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Atletico Madrid reportedly attempted to back out of a deal to sign Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher, according to Valencia’s sporting director, Miguel Angel Corona. 
Chelsea are nearing the sale of the England international for £33.7 million, with Gallagher set to undergo a medical in Spain.
Corona revealed that Atletico Madrid informed him they were trying to withdraw from the Gallagher deal to instead pursue Valencia midfielder Javi Guerra.
Guerra, who was prepared for the move, had his £21.5 million transfer to Atletico fall through on Wednesday.
Atletico had initially agreed to sign Guerra on Sunday, believing Gallagher would reject them.
However, Gallagher decided to join Atletico a day later, complicating the situation.
Corona explained that Atletico Madrid’s largest shareholder apologized for the confusion, acknowledging their attempt to exit the Gallagher deal.
Gallagher had previously declined a contract extension with Chelsea, as his contract expires next summer.
Chelsea’s new manager, Enzo Maresca, informed Gallagher that he would only be a squad player under his possession-heavy system, prompting Gallagher to consider leaving.
Atletico Madrid, having recently spent £81 million on Manchester City‘s Julian Alvarez, was reportedly unable to finance both the Guerra and Gallagher deals.
