Chelsea ‘close in’ on Joao Felix transfer - sending blow to Arsenal, Aston Villa and Man Utd

Chelsea have reached a verbal agreement to sign Atletico Madrid striker Joao Felix on loan, according to two reputable reports. The Portuguese forward has been heavily linked with the likes of Aston Villa, Arsenal and Manchester United throughout the January window but Felix is said to have chosen Chelsea as his next club.

The Athletic’s David Ornstein reports that a fee of around €11 million will bring Felix to Stamford Bridge on loan. It is said that the player had to make a choice between United, Arsenal and Chelsea before he decided on the latter.

Transfer news journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed this update as he wrote on Twitter: “Chelsea are now in advanced talks to sign Joao Felix. Deal at final stages - no buy option clause discussed. Fee will be more than €10 million with salary covered and taxes. Talks accelerated after injuries and last game.”

Last month it emerged that Atletico were open to selling Felix if the price was right, and Villa were incredibly listed as the early favourites for his signature. As things turned out, however, the lack of European football on offer was too big of a stumbling block for any deal to progress.

Bringing in Felix should come as a big boost for new Chelsea manager Graham Potter, who has already been put under a lot of pressure at Stamford Bridge despite only joining the club from Brighton in early September. Currently down in 10th place in the Premier League standings, the Blues have won just seven of their opening 17 fixtures.