Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Atletico Madrid loanee Joao Felix on a permanent basis this summer.
Felix joined Chelsea on a loan agreement till the conclusion of the 2022-23 season in the January transfer window. Despite just scoring twice in 12 outings for Chelsea, the attacker has mostly impressed since his arrival at Stamford Bridge.
The Portugal international extended his contract with Atletico until June 2027 prior to heading out on loan to Chelsea.
The Spanish outfit was eager to reach a long-term agreement in order to be in the strongest possible negotiation position if they decided to sell him.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea want to include Felix in their long-term vision.
As per AS, the Chelsea board is pleased with his progress at the club and intends to make his loan move permanent during the summer transfer window.
Joao Felix to extend his stay at Chelsea
Furthermore, the attacking midfielder himself is open to the option of sticking with the West London club.
A summer move is said to be dependent on the managerial situation at Stamford Bridge, with the Blues now looking for a permanent manager after recently appointing Frank Lampard as interim manager until the end of the season.
The next manager’s name will be significant since he will have a say in whether or not Chelsea should sign Felix on a permanent-basis and whether he sees the Portuguese star in his future plans or not.
Another stumbling block could be Atletico’s asking price, with the Spanish club seeking a large sum in excess of €100 million.
Chelsea are understood to be planning a meeting with Los Rojiblancos in order to begin negotiations on a permanent deal and lower the astronomical price-tag.
Felix is set to feature for the Blues against Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash on Wednesday at the Santiago Bernabeu.
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