Chelsea appear to still be in the market for a striker this month despite having already welcomed David Datro Fofana to the club this month. The 20-year-old, who joined from Molde on a six-and-a-half-year contract, made his debut for the Blues in the FA Cup against Manchester City and looked bright despite the damning result.
But, Todd Boehly remains intent on bolstering his frontline. The west Londoners have been linked with a number of forwards in the January transfer window, one of whom being Atletico Madrid star Joao Felix.
The 23-year-old has been subject to great interest from Arsenal and Manchester United recently but Chelsea have made a late swoop for the Portuguese star. While Felix looks to be an attractive acquisition, there are questions as to whether he'll solve Graham Potter's goalscoring frailties.
READ MORE: Star signing eyes Chelsea chance as Todd Boehly left to consider change of plan for Thiago Silva
With that being said, football.london have taken a look at the latest news linking Felix with a move to Stamford Bridge.
Medical imminent
Chelsea have taken the next step towards completing the signing of Felix. According to ESPN, the 23-year-old has been granted permission by the Spanish giants to undergo a medical in London ahead of a potential move to west London.
The report that, as a deal nears completion, an option for a permanent move will not be included and Chelsea will cover Felix's wages in full. It's said that the Portugal international will extend his contract with Atletico Madrid until 2027 before leaving.
Verbal agreement reached
Chelsea are close to signing Joao Felix on a loan deal until the end of the season, football.london understands. According to The Athletic, the Blues have reached a verbal agreement to sign the Portuguese star on loan from Atletico Madrid, beating off interest from Arsenal and Manchester United.
Their report adds that Felix is said to have been attracted by the project in west London with Boehly expected to pay €11million (£9.7million) - a fee which is below what Atletico initially wanted.
Atletico Madrid president admission
Atletico Madrid’s president provided an update on Felix’s transfer situation. Speaking to Carrusel Deportivo via Fabrizio Romano, Enrique Cerezo said: "In life there’s nothing impossible but it’s normal for João Félix to stay at Atlético Madrid."
Arsenal permanent option
Arsenal are set to hold fresh talks over a move for Joao Felix in the coming days, according to journalist Ben Jacobs. The north London side are looking to add a buy option within a loan deal. It would see the Gunners able to trigger a permanent stay at the end of the season for the Portugal international if he joins, with the side setting a price of £70million for any clause.
Bayern Munich decision
Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo have reported that Bayern Munich are no longer interested in Felix giving Chelsea and Arsenal a transfer boost.
Arsenal 'secret agent'
Arsenal have a 'secret agent' they can rely on to help persuade Joao Felix to sign for the Gunners in January. Felix maintains contact with his former Atletico team-mate Thomas Partey, who switched to the Emirates in October 2020, and that could help Arsenal convince him if the move comes down to a personal choice, according to The Athletic.
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