Atletico Madrid News
Chelsea in discussions with Atletico Madrid over January move for €126 million forward
With the January transfer window now open, Chelsea are set to up their efforts to strengthen their squad, despite having already sealed a couple of signings.
Indeed, the Blues have signed David Datro Fofana and Andrey Santos while they are said to be closing in on the captures of Benoit Badiashile and Enzo Fernandez. And next on the agenda for the Premier League giants could be Atletico Madrid star Joao Felix.
The 23-year-old is keen on moving on from the Civitas Metropolitano having grown frustrated by his lack of prominence in Diego Simeone’s plans this season.
Club CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin has already confirmed that a separation could be on the cards while Simeone has not denied the possibility of a departure either.
Clubs like Arsenal and Manchester United had shown an interest, but Chelsea are also in the race, and according to journalist Simon Phillips on GIVEMESPORT, the Blues are already in discussions with Atletico Madrid and Felix’s agents over a transfer.
However, it is said that the Blues would be only willing to consider signing Felix on loan this month if the operation came with an option to buy.
“Chelsea have told them that they’d only be keen to do an option to buy, but it is one in the pipeline at the moment and Chelsea’s discussions are continuing with Atletico and Felix’s agent. So, it is certainly one that Chelsea have been warming to in the last few days.”
Felix joined Atletico Madrid from SL Benfica in 2019 in a deal worth €126 million. A greatly talented individual, he has never quite been able to showcase his full potential at the Civitas Metropolitano.
It has been claimed that Los Rojiblancos are demanding a loan fee of €9 million for the 23-year-old, while also asking the interested parties to cover his entire wages for the second half of the season.
Everything together, the package comes up to €18 million, something which Manchester United are unwilling to shell out without an option to purchase him permanently.
With Chelsea also seeking the insertion of a permanent purchase clause in the deal, it remains to be seen if they can strike an agreement with Atletico Madrid.
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.
