According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are aiming to turn the current loan deal for Joao Felix from Atlético Madrid into a permanent transfer at the end of the season.
The Portuguese striker is said to have a bad relationship with Atlético head coach Diego Simeone, who wants to play more attacking football than the Argentine tactician at Wanda Metropolitano has developed. Consequently, he left Madrid to join Chelsea on a temporary deal in January, but there was no way for the Londoners to unilaterally make it permanent.
Therefore, the fulfillment of Chelsea’s desire to make Felix their full-fledged player will depend on their ability to reconsider the situation with Atlético. Felix’s contract with Madrid is for at least four years and that will certainly require a hefty fee and Chelsea have already spent huge sums on attacking players in recent windows.
However, Felix has been one of the few good players for Chelsea since arriving at Stamford Bridge, even if his stats don’t quite show it. So far, he has scored twice in 12 matches without making a single pass, but he has always been an indispensable assistant in the opposition’s defense.
Understand that Chelsea want to keep Joao Felix as part of a long-term project. The club is very happy with his influence, Joao also wants to stay in #CFC. 🔵🇵🇹
The deal will depend on what Atlético asks, negotiations will take place soon.
A new coach is also a factor.
🎥 https://t.co/AWIFYuQe8l pic.twitter.com/GYfGdFX8Sc
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 10, 2023