Will Chelsea sign Joao Felix? Transfer latest as Blues join Man Utd and Arsenal in race for £113m star

Chelsea continue to be linked with a move to sign Atletico Madrid star Joao Felix.

The Portuguese superstar looks to be headed for an exit from Atletico this winter, whether that’s on a permanent or temporary basis, and the Blues are being tipped to make a move. Though, a number of other Premier League giants are said to be interested in snapping up Felix, so there could be a transfer scramble in the offing.

With that in mind, we have rounded up all the latest surrounding Felix as the January transfer window approaches.

Felix’s career so far

Felix burst onto the scene as a young starlet with Benfica, scoring 15 times in 26 league appearances.

That form - paired with impressive performances for Portugal under-21s - saw Felix bag a big-money move to Atletico Madrid, with a number of European giants links. The forward joined Atletico on a deal worth £113million in 2019. In his first season, Felix scored six times in his first 27 La Liga appearances, and he has since racked up a total of 24 goals in 94 La Liga outings.

But his time with Atleti has been far from straightforward. The 28-time Portugal international has not fitted into Diego Simeone’s system as well as envisaged, and the two have regularly fallen out, leading to Felix spending time on the bench. The Portuguese is a creative spark, but his contribution to a hard-working defensive unit is not what Simeone expects.

Chelsea links and their need for a forward

All that has led to Atletico listening to offers for Felix, though it has been reported they want around £88million back on their investment.

Chelsea have been mooted as a possible destination, but they are said to have a very different plan. As detailed by The Telegraph, the Blues are said to be weighing up an initial loan deal for Felix, with the potential of an option to buy built in.

A loan exit for Felix could suit both the player and Atletico, and Chelsea would certainly benefit given their lack of attacking options. The Blues have lost Armando Broja to injury, and they were already short at the top end of the pitch. Felix could slot in as a false nine, or he could play in an attacking midfield role, though Chelsea do have options in attacking midfield, be it Kai Havertz, Conor Gallagher or Mason Mount.

Felix can also play wide, and that versatility is what will make him attractive for Chelsea, who need someone they can use across a front three.

Links with other clubs assessed

Manchester United and Arsenal have also reportedly held talks with Atletico over signing Felix.

United look to have just missed out on prime target Cody Gakpo to Liverpool, and they do need striker who can also play wide, making Felix an attractive option. They are likely to be particularly interested if the Portuguese becomes available on loan, with the Daily Mail reporting that the Red Devils will only chase loan deals due to their ownership situation.

Arsenal, meanwhile, are said to be concentrating on the signing of Mykhaylo Mudryk of Shakhtar Donetsk, with reports they have already made an opening bid. The Gunners need a winger, but with Gabriel Jesus injured for around three months, having another striker who can also play wide would be a big bonus.

Crucially, though, they need to sign a winger permanently, and they are not likely to pay upwards of £80million for one. Mikel Arteta is also very careful over the personalities he adds to his project, and Felix’s falling out with Simeone may be a big red flag.