Chelsea are on the verge of sealing a deal for Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid who will join on a loan deal for the rest of the season.
As per Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are very close to securing the service of Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix this month. The Portuguese youngster could be Chelsea’s fourth signing in this transfer window.
Both Manchester United and Arsenal also chased the 23-year-old but Chelsea seem to have beaten them in the pursuit. A verbal agreement has been in place with the Blues who are set to pay to the tune of €11 million as a loan fee with a commitment to cover his wages in full.
United had a brief discussion with his entourage over a possible deal but they refused to budge on Atletico’s demand of paying a substantial transfer fee for a six-month loan.
Arsenal also don’t seem to be interested to invest that kind of money and negotiated to lower the quoted amount. Felix has shown signs of brilliance but his inconsistent performance has been the main reason behind his downfall.
Chelsea have struggled pretty evidently as scoring goals has been a problem for Graham Potter’s side. Both Raheem Sterling and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have failed to address the concerns and the West Londoners will continue to strengthen their attack.
Fabrizio Romano confirmed Chelsea are in dialogue with Atletico over a loan deal.
“Chelsea are now in advanced talks to sign João Félix from Atlético Madrid on loan until June. Deal at final stages — no buy option clause discussed.
“Fee will be more than €10m with salary covered and taxes. Talks accelerated after injuries and last game.”
There will be no option to buy Felix permanently and if he can succeed at Stamford Bridge, Atletico can leverage a higher market price for the forward.
His mammoth weekly wages have been a stumbling block in Atletico’s ailing finance and they could breathe for some months while reassessing their summer plans.
They paid a whopping €126m to Benfica but the Portuguese hasn’t marked his presence with consistent performances. Chelsea have already splashed heavily this month and they will be further indulged in retrieving a midfielder and a right-back as it stands.
