Chelsea secure Joao Felix's signature from Atletico Madrid in a seven-year deal.

LONDON - Chelsea announced the signing of Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix on a long-term contract on Aug 21. As part of the deal, midfielder Conor Gallagher will be heading to Spain.

No fee was revealed but the Blues are reported to have agreed a £40 million (S$68.2 million) fee with the Spanish La Liga side to bring the 24-year-old back to Stamford Bridge.

Felix had a disappointing six-month loan spell at Chelsea in the second half of the 2022-23 season, scoring four goals in 20 appearances for the English Premier League team.

The Portugal international, who spent last term on loan with Barcelona in Spain, said that he is ready for what is to come in the season ahead.

“I’m really happy to be back at Chelsea and I can’t wait to get started,” he said on the Chelsea website.

“I can see some familiar faces from the last time I was here, which is always nice.

“I loved my time here before and I told my friends and family that I’d love to return to the Premier League one day. To do that with Chelsea is a great feeling and I’m excited to be back.”

Atletico, meanwhile, signed England midfielder Gallagher on a five-year deal.

Gallagher, who had been at Chelsea since the age of eight, has signed until 2029 with the Spanish outfit who have paid €42 million (S$61 million) for the 24-year-old, according to media reports.

“We wish Conor the very best as he begins a new chapter in his career,” Chelsea said in an official announcement.

Gallagher spent the early part of his senior career on loan, including spells at Premier League clubs West Bromwich Albion and Crystal Palace, and did not make his Chelsea debut until 2022.

Last season, he started 37 Premier League games, missing just one league match through suspension, and spent most of the campaign as club captain due to injuries to Reece James and Ben Chilwell.

The Blues, who lost 2-0 in their opening match of the Premier League season against Manchester City on Aug 18, are reported to have received an offer as well from Napoli for Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku.