Multiple reliable sources like David Ornstein and Fabrizio Romano have now said that Chelsea are near to completing the signing of Atletico Madrid star Joao Felix for the remaining season on loan.
This is a deal which is not yet completely signed off, but it is said that the Premier League side will pay in the region of a €11million (£9.68m) fee. Additionally, CFC will cover Felix’s full salary until the end of the season. With the Portuguese generating interest from the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal, the Blues came out of nowhere and swooped for Felix. It is said that he will opt for Graham Potter’s team after being attracted by the ‘project’.
Felix has endured a tough time at the Wanda Metropolitano: in 96 games to date, the 23-year-old could only contribute 25 goals and 13 assists. As recent as last month, news came out that the relationship between player and manager Diego Simeone had deteriorated due to the former not being happy with the latter’s playing style.
And the claim was later confirmed by the Atletico chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin. This season, both Felix and the Madrid side have struggled for consistency, although World Cup performances showcased capability of performing in a more attacking side.
Chelsea have already secured the signings of forward David Datro Fofana from Molde and centerback Benoit Badiashile from Monaco. Both fresh faces were named on the bench against Manchester City in the FA Cup. Fofana even made his debut for the Blues in the 4-0 demolition at the Etihad Stadium.
Chelsea and Atlético Madrid are now completing final details of João Félix deal as Blues want to be fast and get it 100% sealed this week. 🔵🇵🇹 #CFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 9, 2023
Full agreement on personal terms as João has accepted Chelsea move — they will cover his full salary until June 30. pic.twitter.com/05CAJIOKEu
With CFC’s growing list of injuries at around 10 players now, Fabrizio Romano claimed that the main reason for Chelsea to stump up the hefty loan fee were the lack of options. The Blues now possess further problems on the wing after injuries to Raheem Sterling and Christian Pulisic.
The west Londoners languish in tenth EPL place and none of their attacking players appear up to the high standards necessary to succeed at Stamford Bridge. Felix can bring in some much needed spark to the Chelsea front line: he is excellent at progressing the ball forward, is efficient with his passing, along with also having a knack of getting on the end of crosses.
Hopefully the decent sized short-term investment for the young star pays off. Much of the Chelsea fan base, however, are really not satisfied by this news, calling it yet another panic purchase.