He decided to pursue the transfer after learning that, under new manager Enzo Maresca, the England international would not be a regular starter but a squad member.
On Tuesday, Gallagher returned to London, fueling the ongoing transfer mystery surrounding his possible move to Madrid.
In preparation for the forthcoming La Liga season, the 24-year-old had spent five days in Madrid trying to finalize his transfer to Simeone's squad.
But now that Samu Omorodion's transfer to the Blues has become complicated, the situation is uncertain, even if it appeared that Gallagher's exit from Stamford Bridge was about to be finalized.
The Atletico boss reassured Gallagher about the transfer.
As reported by The Telegraph, Simeone reached out to Gallagher just before the England international's flight back to the UK to reassure him that he still wants him for the next season at Estadio Metropolitano.
According to the source, the Atletico Madrid manager wanted the 24-year-old to know how much he is valued before he returns to England so he can bring him to Madrid without any uncertainty.
According to reports, Simeone is putting pressure on Los Colchoneros to complete Gallagher's signing by selling Joao Felix—who has reportedly been offered to Chelsea—and finding a new buyer for Omorodion.
It is said that Atletico's decision to spend just over £81 million to acquire Julian Alvarez from Manchester City earlier this month is a contributing factor in their desire to sell before completing a move for Gallagher.
Before returning to Cobham to rejoin the Under-21 squad and other players rumored to be sold this summer, Gallagher had already signed personal terms and passed his physical with the La Liga giants.
Another summer shopping binge for Chelsea
Since Todd Boehly and the Clearlake Capital group took over in May 2022, Chelsea have spent over £1 billion during transfer season.
The Blues have continued their lavish tradition this summer, spending almost £185 million to add 10 players.
Until this week, the most recent signing was Pedro Neto, who arrived from Wolverhampton Wanderers for £54 million.
The Blues have spent just about £80 million on new players in the past month alone, with Neto joining the likes of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Estevao Willian, and Filip Jorgensen.
According to reports, Maresca's squad aims to clear the decks this summer by selling Chalobah, Armando Broja, David Datro Fofana, and Raheem Sterling, among others.
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