Chelsea have opened talks with Atletico Madrid over the prospect of signing Joao Felix as part of the deal that will see Conor Gallagher join the Spanish side.
Felix is being discussed as a potential option to move to Chelsea after the collapse of the Blues’ deal for Atletico’s Samu Omorodion. The transfer of the latter to Chelsea has been described as ‘100% off’ after ‘major issues’ in finalising the player’s seven-year contract.
Atletico are on the verge of signing Gallagher from Chelsea and are keen to avoid that deal falling through as a result of the Omorodion collapse. Felix is now a name being discussed, according to Fabrizio Romano, in what could mark a return to West London for the Portugal international.
Felix spent the second half of the 2022/23 season on loan at Chelsea and scored four goals in 20 appearances across all competitions.
The 24-year-old was then loaned to Barcelona last season and netted 10 times in 44 games, though the Catalans opted against making the move permanent. Chelsea remain determined to add to their forward line before the deadline and discussions are now taking place between the Blues, Atletico and the player’s agent, Jorge Mendes.