Chelsea summer plans in tatters as Real Madrid identify star as perfect replacement for stalwart
Chelsea loanee Joao Felix is a reported target of Real Madrid’s, meaning the Blues could find it a tough task if they were keen on signing him permanently.
Felix was one of the first of a massive influx of players to walk through the door at Stamford Bridge in January. Chelsea paid around £10million to bring him in on loan from Atletico Madrid until the end of the season.
He made headlines immediately, as he was sent off in the second half of his debut after a promising start. After around a month suspended, he had an impactful second game.
Indeed, the Portuguese forward scored the opener in a 1-1 draw against West Ham United.
People have been raving about the quality he has shown in his limited time as a Chelsea player.
While there is no option for the Blues to buy him at the end of his loan, they might well be interested in doing so. Should he continue to perform to a high standard, it would be strange if they weren’t keen on calling upon him permanently.
Reports have already tipped the club to be interested in buying him at the end of his loan.
“Tensions” that have been reported between Felix and Atletico manager Diego Simeone mean he’d likely be interested in a move if the boss was still in charge there when he returns.
Real Madrid could spoil Chelsea plans
But if Chelsea are planning to snap him up permanently, it seems they’ll not be alone in their pursuit.
Indeed, a report from a Spanish media outlet claims Real Madrid are keen on signing the forward. They claim the La Liga giants see him as a perfect replacement for the ageing Karim Benzema.
The Frenchman is 35 years old and injuries are beginning to ravage him more and more of late.
As such, a player like Felix could be the perfect replacement. He already knows the league well and has had relative success playing in it; he was directly involved in 12 goals in 24 La Liga games last season.
The reported problems with Simeone have been well documented. As such, a move to Real would be a statement, not only that Felix is happy to stay in Spain, but he’d be moving to a bigger club, and his current side’s rivals, no less.
Chelsea can compete with Real
By no means would it be an easily run transfer if Chelsea were also keen to snap Felix up permanently, though.
The Blues have shown they’re happy to pay big sums before and even snap up a player another club is negotiating with, as they did Mykhaylo Mudryk in January.
What’s more, Felix is already playing for the Blues. If he continues to perform and they want him, he’ll know there is a home for him where he can continue to thrive.
He wouldn’t know what his role would be at Real, which makes the move a risk. As such, it’ll be interesting to see what happens come the summer window.
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