England international Conor Gallagher has completed a move to the Spanish capital, with Atletico Madrid agreeing a deal for the 24-year-old. The Chelsea midfielder came through the youth ranks after joining the club back in 2008, but will now leave the West London side to move to La Liga. Gallagher had just one year remaining on his Chelsea contract.

Conor Gallagher has joined La Liga giants Atletico Madrid from Premier League side Chelsea in a deal reported to be worth €42 million.

The midfielder has signed a five-year contract in the Spanish capital.

The England international was entering the final year of his contract at Stamford Bridge, with renewal talks failing to result in a new deal. Gallagher joined Chelsea at just six years old and will depart the West London Club after 18 years.

Tottenham, Aston Villa and West Ham were reportedly interested in a move for the Englishman, but it was Atletico who won the race for a player who played 50 times across all competitions for Chelsea last season, as manager Diego Simeone has pushed to bolster his midfield.

Gallagher wore the captain’s armband for long periods of the 23/24 season for Chelsea in the absence of club captain Reece James, who missed large chunks of last season with a hamstring injury. Gallagher contributed five goals and seven assists across 37 games.

Contract talks stalled between Gallagher and Chelsea as the midfielder weighed up his future, with the Blues keen to cash in on the player instead of potentially losing him on a free transfer next summer.

Generating money by selling assets has become increasingly important for the Blues as they look to ensure they comply with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules. Chelsea will need to balance the books ahead of next year’s deadline after a period of huge spending from their new American owners.

Reports suggested the club were unsure if Gallagher suited the possession-based style of football new coach Enzo Maresca is looking to implement at Stamford Bridge this season.

Chelsea also have plenty of options in midfield already, with Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, Carney Chukwuemeka, Andre Santos, Lesley Ugochukwu and Romeo Lavia all competing for starting spots in the centre of the pitch.