Chelsea are preparing for summer with a huge swirl of ins and outs. Mason Mount and Kai Havertz have been linked with exits in the summer and if the duo does leave CFC, Todd Boehly could flex his financial muscle to sign Joao Felix on a permanent deal.
In the January transfer window, CFC signed Felix on a six month loan deal, paying €11 million in loan fees to Atletico Madrid. The loan deal does not have any buy clause which means that if Chelsea are interested in signing the Portuguese, they will have to separately negotiate a transfer with the Spanish side.
Felix hasn’t instantly hit the ground running but has impressed in parts. His ability to carry the ball from the middle toward the goal has been impressive but he is still struggling to find the back of the net. Since signing for the Blues, Felix has played nine games but only netted two goals.
Chelsea could sign Joao Felix after selling Mason Mount and Kai Havertz
Chelsea are bracing for the arrival of Christopher Nkunku in the summer. His arrival would pose a challenge for Graham Potter as to which player will play off the striker. Potter has been using Havertz as a striker but his best performances have come when he has either played off the primary striker or behind the striker.
Mount excels in a similar position, playing behind the forward line. Nkunku has played as a striker but his best performances for RB Leipzig have come when he has operated as a second striker.
Mount’s contract talks have stalled and the possibility of the Englishman leaving in the summer are more than ever. If a new contract is not agreed upon, CFC will be open to selling Mount. Bayern Munich have been linked to Mount as Thomas Tuchel has taken over the reins at the Allianz Arena.
Havertz has also been touted to leave in the summer. The German is not a target for Bayern Munich but is still expected to leave if CFC fail to secure Champions League football for next season.
Chelsea will demand £50 million for Mount whereas Havertz is valued at £53 million by Transfermarkt. Their sales will raise a substantial amount that can be reinvested. With two departures, Chelsea could activate their plan of signing Felix on permanent basis.
According to Football Espana, Atletico Madrid would like to recoup most of the €127 million they paid to Benfica for Felix which means the 23 year old is likely to cost upwards of €100 million.
Sales of Mount and Havertz would also free up space and ensure that there aren’t many players with similar profiles. Felix and Nkunku are two very competent options and could possibly co-exist in the same system.
Will CFC sign Joao Felix permanently after selling Mason Mount and Kai Havertz?