As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea has agreed to a deal to sign Joao Felix on loan from Atletico Madrid.
The English giants are prepared to pay approximately €11 million (£9.7 million) for Felix’s registration and to cover the Portugal international’s wages through the end of the current season.
They were able to satisfy the requirements outlined by Atletico CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin for a short-term deal last month.
Chelsea is also attempting to have the loan agreement contain a buyout option for the unsettled attacker. Felix believes that a departure is necessary for the sake of his career because of how his relationship with Atletico coach Diego Simeone has deteriorated.
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. 🚨🔵 #CFC
Fee will be more than €10m with salary covered and taxes. Talks accelerated after injuries and last game. pic.twitter.com/68q0hnG9CR
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 9, 2023
He has already informed his teammates that he is moving to England and is eager to join the London club. Atletico is delaying formalising the loan to Chelsea as they aim to sign a quick replacement for Felix.
Rival clubs Arsenal and Manchester United are also looking to add new strikers as they reach the most hectic part of the season. They still haven’t agreed to the financial conditions requested by the Spanish club.
In the current transfer window, Chelsea and Arsenal are also battling to sign Ukrainian attacker Mykhaylo Mudryk.
Felix moved to Atletico for a club-record €126 million transfer price in 2019. The 23-year-old has been unhappy with his role at the Estadio Metropolitano for well over a year.
Must Read: Manchester United transfer chief John Murtough shocks fans with the latest transfer update
The young striker has been unable to handle Simeone’s conservative tactical approach and man management skills. The loan move will come as a major blow for the Red Devils since they were actively involved in this deal. Currently, United are working to sign Burnley striker Wout Weghorst as they aim to fill the void left by Cristiano Ronaldo.
