AC Milan are in pole position to sign Joao Felix from Chelsea on loan for the remainder of the season, with Aston Villa set to lose out.
According to Football Insider, AC Milan are ahead of Aston Villa in signing Joao Felix on a loan for the remainder of the season. The Portuguese playmaker has been looking for a way out of Stamford Bridge. He is unhappy with his stature in Enzo Maresca’s side and wants regular game time and a cemented role in the squad.
Joao Felix could be one of the big movers on deadline day, as the playmaker could be pushing for an exit from Chelsea. Having signed him from Atletico Madrid in a £45 million deal, Enzo Maresca has not used the attacker extensively, restricting him more to the Chelsea ‘B team’, as the Portuguese international has seen more action in cup games and the Conference League.
Felix has started only three of his 12 games in the Premier League and clocked only 363 minutes in the top flight this season. The highly-rated attacker is eager to establish himself as a regular, and his long contract is probably why Chelsea are open to letting him leave on loan.
David Ornstein has already confirmed that Chelsea are willing to let Felix leave on loan while keeping hold of Christopher Nkunku in this window. Aston Villa were in pole position for the playmaker until Chelsea changed their minds and have since refused to discuss the Portuguese as they view Unai Emery’s side as a direct rival for the top four.
AC Milan were also interested in Felix, and it appears that is where the Portuguese playmaker might eventually join. As per the most recent update, AC Milan have taken the lead ahead of Aston Villa in the chase for the Chelsea star, as talks are reportedly underway to seal a loan move.
Milan making the right market moves
AC Milan have enjoyed a decent window so far. They have sold Alvaro Morata to Galatasaray while signing Feyenoord’s Santiago Gimenez as a replacement. They are also concerned about the playmaker’s spot, hence their interest in Felix.
The Rossoneri will likely give Felix the vital place in the squad he wants and could find a breakthrough in talks with Chelsea. Moreover, the Portuguese playmaker is also leaning towards joining Serie A as a preference, which could further boost Milan’s chances of landing him. Whether this deal comes with a buy option/obligation or is just another dry loan remains to be seen.