Atletico Madrid News
Chelsea aiming to sign Atletico Madrid attacker on a loan-to-buy deal in January
According to The Telegraph, Chelsea are considering making a play to sign Atletico Madrid attacker Joao Felix on a loan deal until the end of the season with an option or obligation to purchase.
Felix has fallen out of favour at Atletico over the past few months. A club-record signing, the 23-year-old arrived at the Civitas Metropolitano in 2019 in a deal worth €120 million as a replacement for Antoine Griezmann.
However, he has never really managed to live up to the expectations at the club. His relationship with manager Diego Simeone is also said to have deteriorated this year, compelling the young forward to seek an exit in January.
Felix’s agent, Jorge Mendes, has been shopping his client around in the Premier League, with Manchester United and Arsenal having been mentioned as potential destinations for the Portuguese international.
However, as per the aforementioned report, Chelsea too have entered the fray to sign Felix on a loan deal in January.
The Blues’ pursuit of the 23-year-old Atletico Madrid ace could be coming from the fact that Armando Broja has been ruled out for the remainder of the season due to an injury. On top of that, summer signings Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Raheem Sterling have not delivered as expected.
Hence, Felix has appeared as an option for Chelsea. Despite him struggling for relevance in Madrid, the 23-year-old’s stock remains high among clubs in Europe, especially after a decent run in the FIFA World Cup 2022 with Portugal.
And while other clubs are interested in him, Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is prepared to move in swiftly to strike a deal with Atletico Madrid for the wantaway forward.
The Blues will consider an initial loan deal with an option or an obligation to purchase Felix depending on what terms Atleti prefer for the deal.
With Manchester United and Arsenal also gunning for his signing, it will be interesting to see where the former SL Benfica prodigy ends up next month.
Sofyan Amrabat is a player in demand, with the midfielder reportedly a top target for various clubs during the January transfer window, as confirmed by his brother.
However, Atletico Madrid are also keeping tabs on the Moroccan international, with the club said to be interested in bringing him to Wanda Metropolitano.
According to Foot Mercato, Amrabat is keen on moving to La Liga, and Atletico Madrid are one of the clubs that he admires. The midfielder had previously praised Atleti boss Diego Simeone, further fueling speculation of a potential move to the Spanish capital.
Atletico Madrid’s interest in Amrabat comes in the midst of uncertainty over the future of Axel Witsel.
The Fiorentina star could be a possible replacement for the Belgian midfielder, whose contract at the club expires at the end of the season, with his father hinting at a possible exit.
However, Atleti would face competition from Barcelona in the pursuit of Amrabat, who appears to be prioritising a move to Camp Nou. The Moroccan international could potentially become an excellent alternative for Barça’s top target, Martin Zubimendi.
However, Fiorentina is unlikely to let the midfielder go cheaply, and Barcelona would have to sort out their economic situation to afford him.
That is where Atletico Madrid might look to get ahead of the Catalans. Although the Spanish giants are also struggling with finances, they may still be able to swoop in and secure the services of the Fiorentina star come the end of the season.
It is too early to deduce anything just yet. A lot will be uncovered as we enter the final phase of the season. Amrabat himself will be keen on making a definitive decision on his future, as he looks to take the next step in his career.
