Chelsea are reportedly still weighing up whether to allow Joao Felix to leave Stamford Bridge before the transfer window closes.
After a brief spell on loan at Chelsea in 2023, Felix returned to the Blues on a permanent basis from Atletico Madrid last summer, penning a long-term contract until June 2030.
However, the 25-year-old forward has found it difficult to break into Enzo Maresca's side on a regular basis and has been limited to just nine starts across all competitions this season.
Felix has started only three of his 12 Premier League outings, while he has the majority of his success in the Conference League this term, scoring four goals in five appearances.
The Portugal international has found himself behind Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku in the pecking order for the centre-forward spot, while the likes of Cole Palmer, Jadon Sancho, Pedro Neto and Noni Madueke have also been preferred in the final third.
Felix is now facing an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge and has been tipped to leave before the deadline amid reported interest from both Aston Villa and AC Milan.
© Imago
Can Milan, Villa pull off Felix signing before deadline?
Aston Villa's president of football operations Monchi recently confirmed that the Premier League club are interested in Felix, who has been on their radar for some time.
However, a move to Villa Park could now be in doubt as Unai Emery's side have now signed Marcus Rashford on loan from Manchester United and are also on the verge of luring Marco Asensio away from Paris Saint-Germain on a temporary basis.
Meanwhile, Sky Italia journalist Gianluca Di Marzio claims that AC Milan are keen to sign Felix, who is said to be in Italy and was in attendance at San Siro to watch the Milan derby on Sunday.
It is understood that, as things stand, Chelsea are only open to parting ways with Felix if they agree a loan deal that includes an obligation to buy.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano claims that Chelsea set to make decision today on whether to loan out Felix and are aware of interest in his services from several clubs.
If Chelsea agree deal for Felix to leave on loan, that could potentially lead to Aaron Anselmino's proposed loan switch move to Marseille collapsing, as the Blues are already close to their limit when it comes to European loan exits.
Oliver Thomas
