Atletico Madrid are open to allowing Joao Felix to leave on loan for the 2023/24 campaign. Chelsea are interested in keeping the Portuguese forward at Stamford Bridge next season, but are hesitant to meet Atletico's £87million valuation for a permanent deal.
This could see the Blues opt to loan him once again after he has shown signs of promise during his six-month stint with the club since January. Felix scored his third goal for Chelsea in the 3-1 win against Bournemouth last weekend as Frank Lampard won his first game as caretaker boss after enduring a run of six straight defeats in all competitions.
A report from the Evening Standard stated that a loan extension may be arranged between the two clubs with the Blues in need of a clinical striker after a dismal season in front of goal. Atletico are understood to be demanding a loan fee in the region of £16million - which isn't cheap considering Chelsea will need to cover his huge wages for the season as well.
READ MORE: Mauricio Pochettino will divide Chelsea supporters with Joao Felix transfer decision
Mauricio Pochettino is expected to be confirmed as the Blues' next manager in the coming weeks after positive talks with Chelsea representatives. The Argentine is said to want to sign a new striker as part of his rebuild at Stamford Bridge, if given the head coach role, and Felix may be the ideal player to lead the line.
Chelsea are said to have offered Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and/or Marc Cucurella as part of a potential swap deal for Felix to try and bring the cost of his transfer down. This would help Todd Boehly trim down the Blues' bloated senior squad in the process of bringing in Felix on a permanent deal, as opposed to another loan stint.
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