Chelsea could well be able to snag Joao Felix on a permanent deal this summer for as little as £70m, despite Atletico’s public demands of a fee close to that which they paid for him, well in excess of 100m euros.
The Blues added Felix to their squad on loan in January, with the attacker having fallen out with Diego Simeone in the Spanish capital. Costing an eyewatering 14m euros to take until the end of the season, Felix looked impressive during the first half of his Blues debut, but was sent off after an hour and has yet to play for them again as a result of suspension.
However, he is thought to be an excellent addition, even amid the 300m euro trolley dash that was carried out in west London during the January window.
Now, as per the London Evening Standard, the Blues will have the option to buy the player this summer, though it will be nowhere near the amount demanded by his parent club.
They claim that ‘it is understood he would more likely cost £70m-£80m’ than the £120m sought out by the Spanish outfit, and that Felix’s preference for a move this summer is to remain at Chelsea rather than head elsewhere.
“Felix’s remaining matches are an audition for his future as he seeks an exit from Atletico, preferably staying at Stamford Bridge”, they report.
Though Cristopher Nkunku is on his way to west London this summer, there is still a clear need for a goalscoring striker, with the Blues having only managed 22 goals in 21 Premier League games, the fewest of any side in the top half.
Joao Felix’s performances between now and the end of the campaign, specifically whether he can fire them into a top four spot come May, could have a massive impact on his future at the club.
