Chelsea could use Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Marc Cucurella in a deal to sign Joao Felix permanently.
That is according to the Evening Standard, who claim the Blues are looking into ways they can lower Atletico Madrid's £87 million asking price. Atletico reportedly hold an interest in signing the out of favour Chelsea duo and that could hold the key to getting a permanent move over the line.
Cucurella only moved to Stamford Bridge last summer in a deal worth £60 million but has struggled to make an impact, while Aubameyang - who has also been at Chelsea for less than a year - is too set to leave. Felix's current loan deal at Chelsea is set to expire at the end of the season, but there is a desire from both player and club to extend his time in west London.
READ MORE: Three players confirmed to make permanent Chelsea exits in summer transfer window as things stand
Another temporary deal is under consideration from Chelsea with a loan fee of £16 million having been discussed. The Blues will need to sell a number of players this summer in order to comply with financial fair play regulations, which is why they are at this stage unwilling to match Atletico's demands.
Felix netted his third goal for the club in a 3-1 win at Bournemouth on Saturday, with his celebration hinting at his hope of staying. They may find it difficult to include Aubameyang as part of a deal, though, with the veteran striker expressing his wish to re-join Barcelona over the weekend.
The Portugal international has been named on the bench in each of Chelsea's last five matches in all competitions, but has shown in spells what he can bring to the club.
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