Chelsea could look at signing Joao Felix on a permanent basis in the summer from Atletico Madrid once his short-term loan spell at the club expires. The 23-year-old joined the club in January after falling out of favour with Diego Simeone and despite only making two appearances in Blue, he has already more than impressed.
A bright debut against Fulham in the Premier League was overshadowed by a second half red card for Felix which ultimately led to Chelsea losing the game. The Portugal international then missed fixtures against Crystal Palace, Liverpool and Fulham, with the Blues missing a noticeable creative spark in all three games.
Graham Potter's side only managed one goal in 270 minutes with Felix absent, yet within just 16 minutes of his return game against West Ham Felix had already scored twice. Unfortunately for Chelsea one of those strikes was offside, but the other counted with Felix timing his run perfectly to meet Enzo Fernandez's pass to give Chelsea the lead.
READ MORE: Chelsea find perfect Marc Cucurella transfer replacement as Ben Chilwell to Man City swap emerges
Emerson Palmieri levelled the contest soon after and neither side could find a breakthrough, with Felix's impact on the game waning as time elapsed. Up next for the Blues is a trip to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, a European battle Felix appears very excited for.
Speaking to Chelsea TV following the clash with West Ham, he said: "Now the focus is on the next game. "The most important game is always the next one. It’s the Champions League, it’s a competition we want to win. Our Champions League [campaign] starts on Wednesday, and it needs to be ours."
With positivity at a high point surrounding Felix, Fabrizio Romano shared a significant update on his future which hints at a permanent move being agreed in the summer.
"No buy option was included in [Felix’s loan] contract," he told his YouTube channel. "This is important because it means he will be back to Atletico in the summer.
"But internally, Chelsea have always felt that if Felix is happy to stay, there will be a serious option to reach an agreement with Atletico.
"The first feeling is very good. He’s doing really well, and in training, Chelsea are very happy with his approach, his behaviour and are convinced that Felix is a fantastic signing.
"There is no buy option, but the relationship [between Chelsea and Atletico] is very good, and Felix himself will have to make a decision.
"If at the end of the season Felix decides he wants to stay at Chelsea, the club feel they can reach an agreement with Atletico for less than the €120million-€130million (£106.1million-£114.9million) reported in January."
As per Relevo journalist Matteo Moretto, Jorge Mendes would play a key role in a transfer potentially being agreed, where a figure of €100million (£85million) could be sufficient despite Atletico asking for more.
Felix departing permanently would leave Atletico light in attack but the Spanish club have already identified Borussia Monchengladbach star Marcus Thuram as a player they would like to sign, as per Marca. Their report also stated that for Thuram to join, a forward would likely have to go the opposite way, opening the door for Chelsea to sign Felix.
READ NEXT:
Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Chelsea teammates left 'shocked' after what happened vs West Ham United
Liverpool already know Mason Mount price tag as Chelsea bosses 'resigned' to contract decision
Joao Felix lifts lid on 'easy' Chelsea start after scoring first goal vs West Ham United
Every word Graham Potter said on VAR, Tomas Soucek, Chelsea adjustments, Reece James, Joao Felix
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
