Chelsea chasing permanent deal for Joao Felix from Atletico

• Joao Felix joined Chelsea on loan from Atletico Madrid in the January transfer window
• The forward has been impressive at Chelsea in the few matches he has played so far  for the Blues
• The Premier League side is keen to sign the Portuguese on a permanent deal in the summer

Chelsea is trying to make the temporary loan from Atletico Madrid of Joao Felix permanent.

The Blues paid up to £16 million in loan fees and wages for Felix, a 23-year-old midfielder, during his January transfer. The Blues also agreed to a contract without a buyout option.

After being dismissed on his debut, Felix’s time in London got off to a terrible start. He missed three games before making his eagerly anticipated comeback to the team with a goal-scoring effort against West Ham.

Felix has already had a significant impression for Chelsea despite only playing a limited number of minutes, and Chelsea supporters have developed a strong bond with the Portugal international. The Blues have been equally as impressed, sources have now reported.

Joao Felix scored last weekend when Chelsea faced West Ham United in the Premier League. | PHOTO: ESPN |

Felix, who recently indicated that he would be open to staying at Stamford Bridge past the summer, is currently the subject of negotiations between Chelsea and Atletico regarding a potential permanent contract.

The possible expense of the transaction is one thing that worries Chelsea. As none of Felix’s several suitors were willing to settle for that amount in January, Atletico was looking to recoup as much of the £120 million they paid to sign him as possible.

The Blues would be happy to sign a deal for Felix as part of what might be yet another pricey summer if Chelsea can work out a reduction.

Joao Felix is on loan at Chelsea from Atletico Madrid, and the Blues are keen to sign the forward on a permanent deal in the summer. | PHOTO: Chelsea FC |

At the end of the current campaign, RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku has already committed to joining from Chelsea, while Napoli striker Victor Osimhen is said to be Chelsea’s top target for the summer following his productive season in Serie A.

Neymar’s future was discussed during a recent meeting between Blues co-owner Todd Boehly and Parisian counterpart Nasser Al-Khelaifi, during which Chelsea were also among the clubs who were given the opportunity to sign the PSG star.

The Blues are next in action on Saturday when they host Southampton in the Premier League, and it will be the first time Felix will play at the Stamford Bridge since signing for Graham Potters’ side.