Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix in the January transfer window.
The Portugal international’s relationship with Diego Simeone has broken down this season and Atletico Madrid’s precarious financial position means that the player could be available for a bargain price. Atletico are seemingly open to offers for him in the upcoming window with talk of a potential loan deal with an obligation to buy at the end of the season.
According to The Telegraph, Chelsea want to sign Joao Felix on loan to bolster their attack for the second half of the season but face competition from Manchester United, who lost out on Cody Gakpo to Liverpool.
Felix, 23, had a decent World Cup campaign, where he bagged a goal and two assists in four games and played a key role in Portugal’s run to the quarter-finals. Some eye-catching performances at the World Cup and his potential availability next month has seen him attract plenty of interest, with Chelsea among the clubs preparing to launch a bid quickly.
The report adds that the Blues would be seeking an initial six-month loan deal with an obligation to buy in the summer.
Joao Felix to Chelsea—The right move?
Despite the signings of Raheem Sterling and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the past summer transfer window, Chelsea have struggled to score goals. They have only managed 19 goals in 15 Premier League games, with manager Graham Potter very much aware that his team is short of firepower up front.
Potter and Chelsea need to figure out how best to solve their goal-scoring crisis. Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix is one player Potter is interested in bringing to Stamford Bridge. And a move to Chelsea could very well be something that the Portuguese forward is interested in, with the player seemingly open to a switch to England.
Felix arrived at Atletico Madrid from Benfica for a lot of money but has failed to live up to the high price-tag as well as the lofty expectations of the fans. However, one fact that must be kept in mind is that he is still 23 and has time on his side to resurrect his career.
The Portugal international isn’t a natural striker or an immediate upgrade over Aubameyang, but he has operated as a false 9 many times during his time at Atletico. The 23-year-old is predominantly more of an attacking midfielder, but his versatility would make him an useful option for Chelsea.
In Potter’s flexible system, Joao Felix could thrive in various attacking roles whilst getting the best out of underperforming stars such as Aubameyang, Sterling and Ziyech. He would bring creative spark, flair and dynamism to a Chelsea attack desperately in need of some life and motivation from outside.
For a player with a lot of talent and untapped potential, Chelsea signing Joao Felix on loan with an obligation to buy at the end of the season makes complete sense.
