Joao Felix is having a difficult season, as the Atletico de Madrid player is losing his customary sharpness owing to a lack of playing time and is attempting to depart the club.
Felix appeared in only 14 games, seven of which he started, scoring four goals and providing three assists. He is unhappy with the treatment he is receiving from his manager Diego Simeone, and the manager’s conservative style of play did nothing to improve Felix’s cause.
Last month, the CEO of Atlético de Madrid, Gil Marin publicly acknowledged the issue in front of the media and told to the reporters, “The reasonable thing is to think that he is leaving, although I would love him to continue. But that is not the player’s idea. He is the biggest bet the club has made. I think he has the highest level in the world, but because of his relationship with the coach, the minutes played, his motivation…the reasonable thing to do is to consider his departure if an offer comes in”.
Atletico CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin update on Felix's future. Marin said: "Joao Felix has top level but because of his relationship with Simeone and game time… we feel that makes sense to consider potential bids to sell him. #AFC #COYG pic.twitter.com/0aJAXkh6Jt
— The_OfficialGunnerTalks (@GunnaTalks369) January 7, 2023
After the information leaked concerning Felix’s uncertain future at Madrid, other clubs, notably Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United, shifted their attention to the Portuguese.
Chelsea is willing to pay Atletico Madrid $11 million and will cover wages till the completion of the season. Given their recent dismal performance in the domestic and European leagues, they will add an option to buy to the clause in order to finalize a contract as soon as possible.
Chelsea are now expected to close in on João Félix deal in 24/48h — as final details of the agreement with Atletico Madrid are being finalised 🚨🔵 #CFC
All parties ready to prepare documents and get it signed. Full package around €11m, salary covered by Chelsea. pic.twitter.com/6jWNUkNGO6
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 9, 2023
Felix joined Atletico for a club-record transfer fee of €126 million in the summer of 2019 and scored 35 goals in 131 games for the club.
As of right now, Chelsea is ten points below the top four, and if things don’t change soon, it will be unrealistic for them to qualify for the Champions League next season.
If you had to pinpoint the main thing to blame for what's going wrong at Chelsea at the minute, what would it be? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/5dCLmaEnSp
— 90min (@90min_Football) January 9, 2023
While putting together a final offer to make to the Madrid-based club, Manchester United and Arsenal are also vying for the Portuguese star. They are aiming to close a deal before Chelsea has the player in their squad.
Mykhaylo Mudryk, a young Ukrainian talent, is also up for grabs at Chelsea and Arsenal, and it looks like it will be a tight race after both clubs made an approach and had a precise understanding of the player in mind.
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