Chelsea are keen to open talks with Atletico Madrid about making Joao Felix‘s move permanent, according to a new report.
Felix, 23, joined the Blues in January in a loan move until the end of the season, and has scored twice in 12 Chelsea appearances.
In 2019, Atletico Madrid signed the Portuguese forward for £113m from Benfica, and it is thought that the Spanish club have no plans to let Felix go cheaply.
But AS reports that the London club is convinced by Felix’s role at Chelsea moving forward, and want to talk numbers with Atletico, since the forward is also happy at Stamford Bridge.
The forward feels comfortable in London, despite Chelsea’s change of management, and has no plans to return to Atletico to work under head coach Diego Simeone.
Chelsea reportedly want to talk with Atletico Madrid about signing Joao Felix permanently
The Portuguese forward is thought to be against returning to play under Diego Simeone
Graham Potter was dismissed earlier this month, and Frank Lampard is now in charge until the end of the current campaign.
It is thought that the Blues view Felix as a cornerstone of their reformation project, as the club adjusts to a new era under owner Todd Boehly.
This has included Chelsea spending over £600m on transfers so far in the past two windows – and the desire to acquire Felix will undoubtedly add significantly more to that tally.
Atletico have also performed well since Felix left the club, going unbeaten since the end of January. They sit third in LaLiga, just two points behind crosstown rivals Real Madrid.
AS also believe that Atletico will be keen to see how Chelsea perform in the Champions League against Real over the coming weeks.
If Felix plays a key role in a European run for the Blues, then they will be encouraged to make Atletico a more forceful offer for the Portuguese player.
If Felix is key in Chelsea’s Champions League campaign, a more forceful offer may be made
Winning Europe’s elite club trophy is also their only realistic route to the Champions League next season, as their domestic season has fallen below the club’s expectations.
Chelsea sit 11th in the Premier League table, and are unlikely to make it back into the European places by the end of May, following Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Wolves.
Despite Chelsea’s managerial changes, and the shaky league campaign, Felix is thought to be delighted about life at Chelsea, and is keen to stay on.
Now the onus falls on Atletico Madrid and Chelsea to agree a price.
source: dailymail.co.uk
