To think, this press conference was not supposed to be about Chelsea.
It was not supposed to be about Conor Gallagher either. Or Atletico Madrid, for that matter.
But during the presentation of Dani Gomez as a new Valencia player, the Levante loanee could do little but sit awkwardly next to sporting director Miguel Angel Corona as the attention of the visiting reporters shifted elsewhere.
Gomez’s arrival had, understandably, been overshadowed by the breakdown in negotiations between Valencia and La Liga rivals Atletico Madrid.
Atletico were expected to complete the £21 million signing of Los Che midfielder Javi Guerra, per The Athletic.
But while Guerra was initially expected to arrive alongside Gallagher – Chelsea agreeing to sell their stand-in skipper for £33 million – it then became apparent that this would be a case of ‘one or the other’ rather than both.
Chelsea agree Conor Gallagher deal with Atletico Madrid
Unfortunately for Guerra, Atletico had already committed themselves to bringing Gallagher to the Wanda Metropolitano.
And, after leaving Guerra and Valencia in limbo, the 2021 Spanish champions came knocking on the door of the Mestalla with their tail between their legs, a guilty expression on their face, and an apology which does little help a player who has just seen his move go up in smoke.
“Between the president and the majority shareholder of Atleti, on Monday the contracts were drawn up with an agreement almost reached with the player,” Corona explains, telling Onda Cero how that Guerra deal fell apart.
“And on Wednesday morning, Atletico told us that they were trying to get out of the Chelsea operation to go for Javi.”
If Corona is right, Diego Simeone’s side appear to have got cold feet about the idea of taking Gallagher to the Spanish capital.
But with Guerra now staying at Valencia, the former Crystal Palace and West Brom loanee should still end the summer in that famous red-and-white shirt even if such claims are likely to leave a rather sour taste when his arrival is finally confirmed.
Atletico land Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth
“To protect him, we left (the discussions with Atletico) there,” Corona adds. “And the player (Guerra) joined training on Wednesday afternoon.
“We were told that they were leaving (the Gallagher deal) and that their priority was Javi Guerra. On Wednesday, the majority shareholder (of Atletico) asked for forgiveness.”
This threatens to distract from what had been a very exciting week at the Metropolitano.
While the Joao Felix situation continues to hang like a millstone around Atleti’s neck, the £80 million arrival of Julian Alvarez from Manchester City and new £30 million striker Alexander Sorloth have raised hopes of a third La Liga title of the Simeone era.
Former Villarreal talisman Sorloth narrowly missed out on the Golden Boot last season. Once of Crystal Palace, he scored twice in the first eight minutes of his unofficial Atletico debut in the 6-1 hammering of FC Kitchee in Hong Kong.
Valencia, meanwhile, are facing further uncertainty surrounding one of Guerra’s midfield partners.
Wolverhampton Wanderers are long-time admirers of Portuguese playmaker Andre Almeida. And, after Aston Villa and Newcastle United discussed a potential deal, HITC understands Wolves are now considering a bid.
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