Chelsea is aiming to secure a deal for Joao Felix in the region of £40 million in a bid to fulfill their goal of signing a striker. This move is closely tied to Conor Gallagher’s switch to Atletico Madrid, which remains uncertain as the deal involving Samu Omorodion fell through over the weekend.
Return of Felix on the Cards
Gallagher has been in Spain since last week, having agreed to a £33.7 million deal to leave Chelsea. However, Chelsea is keen for him to return to if Atletico does not finalize his signing. The deal’s completion depends on Atletico raising funds by selling either Omorodion or Felix. This urgency follows their £81 million signing of Julian Alvarez from Manchester City on Monday. When the Omorodion deal collapsed, Chelsea and Atletico quickly pivoted to discuss a potential deal for Felix.
Joao Felix went on a loan move to Chelsea in the 2022/23 season where he scored 4 goals in 20 games. Former Blues manager, Mauricio Pochettino, did not consider signing him in the future. However, the club now has the chance to sign him yet again. The 24-year-old spent the last season on loan at Barcelona where he netted 10 times in 44 appearances. Versatile in his play, Felix can function as a second striker, left winger, or as a no. 10.
Chelsea’s owners hold a high regard for Felix because of his previous loan spell at Stamford Bridge, making them receptive to a deal, especially after the Omorodion transfer fell through. Talks with Atletico Madrid are expected to continue this week.
Despite the potential Felix deal, Chelsea continue to explore striker options, remaining interested in Napoli’s Victor Osimhen should he be willing to be available on loan in the final weeks of the transfer window. The acquisition of Felix would not stop Chelsea from their quest to sign a new striker. Gallagher could still go to Atletico, provided the club can facilitate a sale.
Being a boyhood fan of the Blues, Gallagher finds it hard to bid farewell to his club but has come to terms with reality. Regardless, he is certain that his efforts will be appreciated by the likes of Diego Simeone and would be able to play regular football there under him.
If Chelsea are able to secure the Portuguese’s services, then Raheem Sterling could well be on the move. Juventus are keen on signing the former City man after they decided to offload many of their players. However, his £300,000 wages could be an obstacle in the negotiation process. Moreover, Chelsea might have to consider offers for Noni Madueke if Felix joins and Sterling remains.
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Tensions With Atletico Madrid
The ongoing tensions between Chelsea and Atletico Madrid have been clear recently. According to Relevo transfer insider Matteo Moretto, Atletico is not happy with Chelsea’s actions. This discord stems from Chelsea’s last-minute withdrawal from the Samu Omorodion signing. He was in London, ready to finalize terms. But a hiccup in his medical tests led Chelsea to try changing the terms of agreement and proposed to secure 50% of Omorodion’s rights. Both Atletico and the player flatly rejected this proposal.
Atletico’s hierarchy took this as an insult to both the player as well as the club. This created tension among the two clubs. Both parties were eager to finalise the deal which was dependent on Omorodion’s sale. Chelsea are now being careful with how they approach them. It would be best if they don’t drag the talks out and quicky wrap up the Felix deal.
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