In three games Joao Felix has proven many people wrong. The Portuguese forward has hit the ground running for Chelsea since his January loan move from Atletico Madrid and it now seems that making his deal permanent over the summer will be a key piece of business.
Having paid over £10m for just six months, plus large wages on top, the value of the deal has been questioned but his quality on the field has already shone through. Although Chelsea have only scored twice during the three games he has played in the attacking flair he has added is unrecognisable to any other player arguably since Eden Hazard.
It hasn't been perfect for Felix though. He was sent off after less than an hour on his debut and missed three games whilst also wasting the best two chances Graham Potter's men created against Borussia Dortmund. Nevertheless, when it comes to the processes involved, Felix's introduction has had a huge impact.
READ MORE: Chelsea player ratings as Kalidou Koulibaly solid but Joao Felix and Kai Havertz frustrate
It is for this reason that Chelsea are already looking towards trying to get a summer deal in place. The new contract signed by the 23-year-old before moving to London is a deterrent and does strengthen Atletico's position but with Felix thriving in England and uncertainty clouding the future of Diego Simeone there is reason to believe he may well remain at SW6.
The logistics of the deal aren't straightforward. Atletico paid £111m for him in 2019 and will want to recoup a large portion of that. Without an obligation to buy there is a chance that this is negotiated down, aiding Chelsea's position.
As has been the case for several proposed transfers under the new ownership, Chelsea's attempts to bring new players in will now start to hinge more and more on those who leave the club. In an effort to speed this process up Todd Boehly has been offering swap deals for lower transfer fees. It is yet to work.
It's what is in the pipeline for the Felix deal, according to Marca. In a remarkable turn, it's also Mason Mount that is being put up. The Englishman has been in a poor run of form since the start of the season and hasn't been able to find an upturn under Potter. He has now been taken out of the side for the past two games with Felix effectively taking his spot.
Mount's situation is complex. He is yet to renew his deal which expires in 2024 and the feeling of unrest is growing as he enters the final 18 months. There is outside interest in him, namely from Liverpool, whilst the club are keen to have him commit to a long-term of the type in which Reece James, Armando Broja and the new signings have all signed.
Reports have suggested that there is now a growing resignation no agreement will be reached. As Chelsea look to balance their books moving forward it is hard to ignore that selling homegrown players benefits that practice. That does open up a potential sale of Mount, maybe to Atletico. But, as with other European sides, cash is king and players are a much harder commodity to negotiate with when it comes to transfers.
READ NEXT:
Every word Graham Potter said on Chelsea positives, Adeyemi goal, Chilwell knock, missed chances
Graham Potter provides update on Ben Chilwell after Chelsea substitution vs Borussia Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund vs Chelsea highlights: Karim Adeyemi goals spoils Blues night
Lionel Messi transfer update as 'meeting' held over PSG star amid Inter Miami and Chelsea links
Neymar £50m Chelsea transfer could force Christian Pulisic decision amid Arsenal links
