Atletico Madrid News
Chelsea reach verbal agreement to sign Joao Felix on loan – Ornstein
According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Chelsea have reached a verbal agreement with Atletico Madrid for the loan signing of Joao Felix in the ongoing transfer window.
The 23-year-old had been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League, with Arsenal and Manchester United having been touted as potential destinations. However, they had baulked at Atletico’s loan fee demands of €15 million.
And, it is Chelsea who have raced ahead and finalised a verbal agreement with Los Rojiblancos over a loan deal for the Portuguese forward.
As per the update from Ornstein, a deal has not been signed yet, but an agreement is in place wherein Chelsea will pay a loan fee of €11 million to Atletico Madrid for Felix’s signing.
While the fee will be a little less than what Atletico were initially demanding, they seem to have reached a compromise on the matter.
Felix, as iterated earlier, was also on the radars of Manchester United and Arsenal, but has opted to choose Chelsea instead as he is said to be appealed by their sporting project.
Apart from the €11 million fee, the Blues will also be expected his full €6 million salary for the remainder of the campaign.
There is no mention of a purchase option in the report, although more details on the matter are awaited.
Felix joined Atletico in 2019 from SL Benfica in a club-record deal worth €126 million but has struggled to live up to his potential. The 23-year-old did perform well for Portugal at the FIFA World Cup and will look to revive his career at Chelsea.
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.
