Atletico Madrid News
Chelsea want to sign Atletico Madrid forward, offer England star as part of the deal
It has been less than a month since Joao Felix joined Chelsea from Atletico Madrid on a loan deal until the end of the season. But it seems like the Portuguese international has already made an impression on the Premier League giants as they wish to sign him permanently.
Indeed, according to MARCA, Chelsea are keen on signing Felix on a permanent transfer after the end of the season when his loan deal expires. To that end, they are already preparing an offer for the 23-year-old attacker.
Since moving to Stamford Bridge in the January window, Felix has played only three matches for Chelsea, having been suspended for three games in the Premier League after he received a red card on his debut. He has netted one goal in the process.
The former SL Benfica wonderkid was also guilty of spurning a few important opportunities during Chelsea’s UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie against Borussia Dortmund last night, which the Blues lost 1-0.
Despite that, it seems like Felix has managed to make an impression on the new owners, who are ready to pull the trigger on his permanent signing in the summer.
Felix has already confirmed that there is no purchase option in his loan deal and Chelsea would thus have to negotiate with Atletico Madrid if they wish to acquire his services in the summer.
And, as per the report, the west London club are already working on a player-plus-cash offer for Felix. The report states that Mason Mount is one of the names that the Blues have offered the Rojiblancos as part of the Felix operation.
The England international was seen as an undisputed starter at Stamford Bridge in the recent past, but that status has changed of late, as was evidenced by him being benched against Dortmund last night.
Chelsea are understood to have proposed Mount’s name as an option for Atletico Madrid to reduce the cost of signing Felix.
However, the La Liga giants are not interested in getting any player in exchange and want an only-cash deal as they look to recoup most of the €127 million they invested in Felix in 2019.
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.
