Aston Villa ‘offered’ four-goal Chelsea star as Emery ponders club record bid for Pochettino reject
Aston Villa have been ‘offered’ the chance to sign wantaway Atletico Madrid attacker Joao Felix this summer, according to reports.
The Portugal international signed for Chelsea on loan in January, where he quickly became a regular starter.
It’s believed Atletico are looking to sell Felix this summer. Although, the Spanish giants will probably still demand a large transfer fee for his services.
Overall, the 23-year-old made 16 Premier League appearances for Chelsea, scoring four goals in the process. Now, he could be set for a swift return to the Premier League.
Aston Villa have enjoyed a tremendous season, with Unai Emery guiding them to a seventh-place finish.
As a result, the Midlands club have qualified for the Europa Conference League. And, Emery is set to be rewarded with plenty of transfer funds to spend.
Indeed, Villa are considering moves for several high-profile players. For instance, Sporting Lisbon star Pedro Goncalves is reportedly on Emery’s radar.
If Emery wants to maintain the Villain’s spot in the top seven, he will no doubt have to make several big signings and bringing in Felix would be a huge statement of intent.
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Felix ‘offered’ to Aston Villa
According to Football Insider, Aston Villa and ‘several other Premier League clubs’ have been offered the chance to sign Felix this summer.
The report states that the Portuguese star’s representatives have been working hard to secure him a move away from Atletico. Chelsea have already turned down the chance to sign him permanently, for example.
Felix has proven that he can be a top player on his day, so it will be interesting to see if Aston Villa do make a bid for him in the next few weeks.
It’s no secret that Emery is in the market for attacking recruits.
Ollie Watkins was integral to the Villains success, netting 15 Premier League goals. But, the striker could certainly do with some more support next season.
However, as mentioned, Felix would not be a cheap signing. Indeed, previous reports suggest Atletico will demand around £88m for his services.
If Villa match that fee, it will make the Chelsea loanee their new club record signing. The current holder of that title is Emiliano Buendia – who was brought in for £38m.
Newcastle United also hold an interest in Felix. So it will be interesting to see if they make a concrete bid in the coming weeks.
What’s certain, though, is that Felix is desperate to return to the Premier League. The only question is whether any team is willing to pay big money to bring him in.
