Chelsea eye a part-exchange with Atletico Madrid involving Romelu Lukaku and Joao Felix, with the Spanish side keen.
According to Calcio Mercato, Chelsea could use Romelu Lukaku in part exchange for signing €80 million-rated attacker Joao Felix. The Blues are keen to part ways with the beleaguered striker but remain adamant about finding ways to sign the on-loan Atletico Madrid star.
The Joao Felix capture earlier in January got heralded as a masterstroke from Chelsea. The Portuguese international had grown discontent with life at Atletico Madrid and Diego Simeone. The Blues made a significant financial investment to bring him on a six-month loan.
The move was not planned, as Chelsea struggled despite adding the Portuguese international. Moreover, they had invested heavily in other young talents over the last two windows, but none have made a mark.
Chelsea are unlikely to play in next season’s Champions League. Yet, they remain confident of more deals in the off-season, including signing Felix permanently.
The Major stumbling block in the idea is Felix’s valuation, which stands at €120 million. Chelsea may not end up paying the whole amount to Atletico, who are more than open to doing business for the Portuguese international. Simeone does not envisage him playing in this team; they are keen to cash in.
Chelsea are now considering using beleaguered striker Romelu Lukaku in part exchange. They are also open to paying significant sums in cash for Felix. The report suggests the Belgian remains valued at €40 million, which the Blues could deduct from Atletico’s asking price.
Hence, the final deal could look something like Lukaku plus €80 million for Felix. Atletico, are keen on reshaping their attacking setup and might ponder over the idea of having the Belgian leading their line. The 29-year-old remains on a contract with Chelsea but has no future here.
They signed him for over €100 million two summers ago but he failed to make the mark under Thomas Tuchel. Having spent a season at Stamford Bridge, Lukaku jumped at the chance of returning to Inter Milan, where he has underwhelmed while on loan.
Inter will not sign the beleaguered attacker for next season, meaning a return to London looks imminent. Lukaku likes Simeone and will open his doors for the move to Madrid.
As for the €80 million-rated Felix, he has no clear indication of making his Chelsea move permanent. He has relished life in London and could sign up for the Blues in the next window. For now, he will hope to finish the season strongly and help the club push for European football next season.
