Chelsea willing to pay €80m for player deemed 'quality' by Ian Wright - Reports
Joao Felix opted to leave Atletico Madrid during the winter transfer window and made his way to London to join Chelsea on loan. The Blues were unable to include a purchase option in the loan deal.
Now, according to Cadena SER, they are reportedly interested in negotiating a permanent transfer for Felix, who Ian Wright has called a 'quality' player.
🤘🏽
João Felix just is that guy for Chelsea Football Club isn’t he 😀🤘🏽 https://t.co/0nbtm0ADXa
According to the report, the Blues are willing to offer €80 million to Atletico in order to secure the transfer of Félix. Despite having recently renewed his contract with the Rojiblancos, the Portuguese's future at the Metropolitano remains uncertain.
It is even more uncertain if current coach Diego Simeone remains in charge of the tactical affairs at the Madrid club. This is because, according to Fichajes, Simeone's tactical style is completely at odds with the attacking style Felix needs to reach his full potential. This was one of the main factors in the player's decision to move to the Premier League.
Joe Cole: “I'm a big fan of Joao Felix – at Atletico Madrid, with their style of play, he was a fish in the wrong pond there. I saw enough, on his debut against Fulham, to think that Chelsea should be on the phone to his agent, trying to get that deal done. He looks a top player" https://t.co/ItmB4nKV59
Arsenal legend Wright has already spoken about Felix's quality, praising the young forward for his impressive start with Chelsea. He said on Premier League Productions (via Football.London):
"The front four look very exciting, Joao Felix, we saw what he done against Fulham and we know he’s a top quality player. He’s getting into positions, getting past people, passing past people, he’s doing everything. He’s very unfortunate not to have two goals."
Chelsea coach Graham Potter has also hailed Felix's efforts (via Football.London):
"It’s his first game for a while, but he managed the game well and influenced the game. You can see his quality, he’ll get better and better the more he plays with us."
The Portugal international has scored one goal in two appearances for the west London side.
Atletico Madrid will contemplate selling Felix to Chelsea
Atletico Madrid are aware of the immense talent that Joao Felix possesses, and the transfer fee of €80 million is seen as a way to balance their accounts. It will also give them the financial leeway to make more signings.
Additionally, this would give the young Portugal international the chance to display his skills in an environment that is better suited to his style of play.
Ultimately, the decision lies with Atletico Madrid. They will decide whether to sell Felix to Chelsea or keep him with the team for the upcoming season.
The Spanish side signed the forward from Benfica for a whopping €105 million in 2019. He has contributed 34 goals and 18 assists in 134 games for the club.