Chelsea pressure Pochettino to revive pursuit of attacking star in sensational transfer deja vu
Mauricio Pochettino will decide if Chelsea should bring Joao Felix back
Chelsea have reignited their hopes of bringing Joao Felix back to the club after his loan spell from Atletico Madrid, according to a report.
Felix spent the second half of last season on loan at Chelsea – who paid a significant amount of money for the privilege – from Atletico Madrid. During his spell at Stamford Bridge, he scored four goals from 20 appearances.
Pretty soon after his loan spell ended, though, incoming Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino decided he did not want the club to keep Felix on a permanent basis. The Portugal international has been stuck in limbo ever since.
Yet to feature for Atletico since his return to the Spanish capital, Felix has been pushing for a move to Barcelona. However, an update from 90min has revealed that Chelsea are considering a fresh approach for him.
The website claims Chelsea have remained in contact with the 23-year-old’s representatives. Several board members believe he would actually fit the profile of attacker that Pochettino is looking for.
READ MORE: Chelsea and Tottenham still in the race to sign Barcelona star as Romano drops interesting hint
Therefore, the head coach will be consulted again about the idea of signing him, before passing on his final verdict. Pochettino, per the report, wants to add a versatile attacker to his frontline.
After a deal for Michael Olise from Crystal Palace fell through, Chelsea could now turn their attention back to Felix. It is not entirely clear at this stage whether that would be on loan again or via a permanent deal.
Atletico still have Felix under contract until 2027. He has previously played 131 times for them, scoring 34 goals and providing 18 assists.
Premier League return possible for Felix
Felix enjoyed playing for Chelsea before, according to the report, so may welcome a return to west London himself. It remains up to Pochettino, though, to determine if he will get that opportunity.
Since his loan spell expired, Felix has been linked with various other suitors in the Premier League. Recently, there have been whispers that Liverpool could consider him as a successor to Mohamed Salah.
Further back this summer, the likes of Manchester United, Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United were all suggested as landing spots for the former Benfica star.
Now, Chelsea could become a solution again, especially after they lost summer signing Christopher Nkunku – who operates in similar territories – to injury.
