Chelsea star in 'advanced talks' to leave after transfer 'hijack'

Chelsea are preparing for the start of the new Premier League season. They turned to Enzo Maresca as their manager last year and he replaced Mauricio Pochettino in the dugout. Prior to his move to London, he caught the eye at Leicester City and guided the Foxes to the Championship title.

Maresca has since done a steady job at Stamford Bridge. He guided his team back into the Champions League in the last campaign. They also managed to win the Europa Conference League.

Chelsea update regarding Joao Felix

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano on X, Al-Nassr are in ‘advanced talks’ to ‘hijack’ Benfica’s proposed deal to sign Chelsea attacker Joao Felix. The forward is facing an uncertain future this summer. He appears poised to head out the exit door for a new challenge in his career in this window.

Reporter Romano has posted on social media: “Al Nassr are in advanced talks to sign João Félix and hijack Benfica’s move! Understand Al Nassr have sent permanent deal proposal to Chelsea and contract proposal to João. The agreement is close as final details are set to be discussed in the next 24/48h.”

Felix, 25, re-joined Chelsea back in 2024 following a loan spell a year earlier. He has since made 20 appearances in all competitions since his return to England and has scored seven goals. The Portugal international, who has 45 caps under his belt, spent time on loan at AC Milan in the last campaign and found the net on three occasions in 21 outings for the Serie A giants.

What now for Joao Felix at Chelsea?

Cutting ties with Felix would be a shrewd move by Chelsea. It would help free up space and funds in their ranks to pave the way for other players. In addition, he would benefit from a change of scene.

After moving back to the Blues last year, he said at the time: "I'm really happy to be back at Chelsea and I can't wait to get started. I can see some familiar faces from the last time I was here, which is always nice. I loved my time here before and I told my friends and family that I'd love to return to the Premier League one day. To do that with Chelsea is a great feeling and I'm excited to be back.”

Meanwhile, Maresca added: "He's a good player and the club already knows him from two years ago. The good thing about Joao is he can play different positions with us - inside, as a No 9 and outside."

Al-Nassr finished 3rd in the Saudi Pro League last term under Jorge Jesus and will hope to win the title next time around if they can. They could see Felix as someone to bolster their attacking department. Cristiano Ronaldo remains on their books and is their captain. They are also the home to the likes of Sadio Mane, Marcelo Brozovic and Mohamed Simakan as they hunt for more additions in the near future.