Chelsea desperate to secure next permanent signing with Todd Boehly set to kickstart talks
Chelsea are aiming to keep Joao Felix on a permanent basis after his loan spell from Atletico Madrid concludes, according to reports.
Felix joined Chelsea during the January transfer window on loan for the remainder of the season. It came after he fell down the pecking order for Atletico. In need of a new challenge, he came to the Premier League for the first time in his career.
After receiving a red card on his debut, it’s fair to say Felix got off to a slow start. But he got on the scoresheet in his first game after serving his suspension. Now, he has eight appearances for Chelsea to his name.
Still stuck on one goal for the club, Felix has nevertheless made an impression on those around him. Therefore, the topic of a permanent stay at Chelsea has been under discussion.
With a lack of an option or obligation to buy clause, Chelsea will not be Felix’s only suitors if Atletico decide to sell Felix, which seems likely. However, the Blues will be trying to make the most of their existing relationship in order to win the race.
And now, according to journalist Matteo Moretto, Todd Boehly is ready to negotiate with Atletico about signing Felix on a permanent basis.
It is claimed that Felix is happy at Chelsea and “will push to stay”. Hence, all Boehly has to do is to convince Atletico to accept whatever Chelsea’s offer might be.
As things stand, it is not clear how much the permanent Felix transfer might cost. He was an expensive recruit for Atletico in the first place when they bought him from Benfica in 2019.
His contract in the Spanish capital is still due to last until 2027. Atletico have been hoping to preserve his market value while working out what to do with him.
Chelsea to continue spending spree by bidding for Joao Felix
Now, they know they have a club in the queue waiting to pay for him in the shape of Chelsea. The Blues have spent heavily on players since Boehly became their owner and Felix seemingly has a chance of becoming the next permanent addition to their squad.
He will have to use the next few months to his advantage in terms of convincing his current club to buy him from his parent side. But Chelsea and Felix seem happy enough together at this stage.
It is quite an interesting development after the Portugal international previously admitted Champions League football would be a factor in deciding his next step.
Despite turning a corner recently by putting together a couple of wins, Chelsea are still down in 10th in the Premier League table. Finishing in the top four appears to be an unlikely outcome for their season.
But they may yet be able to call upon Felix in the future regardless as they aim to build up their long-term project.
