Chelsea transfer news: Joao Felix 'closing' on exit as world champions agree to specific terms

Chelsea are reportedly close to facilitating the permanent exit of Joao Felix.

Last summer, the Blues agreed to pay £45m to Atletico Madrid for the Portugal international, the perception being that the attacker would finally have a permanent home where he could flourish.

Despite penning a seven-year contract, Felix lasted just half a season at Stamford Bridge before he was loaned out to AC Milan, another team who had the ambition to keep the playmaker in the long term.

However, Felix failed to make a positive impact at San Siro, contributed just three goals and one assist from 21 appearances, and it has left his career in limbo.

According to Fichajes, though, the 25-year-old has been provided with the opportunity to return to familiar surroundings to kick-start his career.

Which former club wants Joao Felix?

The report claims that Benfica have been negotiating with Chelsea in recent days and are on the brink of finalising an agreement.

Chelsea are allegedly considering whether to accept in the region of €25m (£21.66m) and retain 50% of the player's ownership.

Such terms would ensure that Chelsea would not lose out from a Premier League Profit and Sustainability standpoint, nor with UEFA's own regulations which they recently breached.

From Felix's perspective, he seemingly wants to find a settled period for his life and career after constant upheaval since the 2022-23 winter transfer window.

During that period, Felix has made four separate transfers, three of them on loan to Chelsea (first spell), Barcelona and AC Milan.

He began his career at Benfica, contributing 20 goals and 11 assists from 43 games before signing for Atletico Madrid in a £113m deal when he was just 19 years of age.

Shrewd business for Chelsea

Providing that such terms are finalised, Chelsea will be delighted to generate a sizeable fee for Felix at a time when he is arguably at the lowest point of his career.

Becoming the focal point of Benfica's side next season also provides him with the ideal platform to revive a career that is on a downward trajectory.

Meanwhile, the focus of Chelsea officials is to generate substantial funds through selling players that have no future at the West Londoners.

As well as Kepa Arrizabalaga, Djordje Petrovic, Bashir Humphreys, Mathis Amougou and Noni Madueke all being sold, the likes of Renato Veiga, Christopher Nkunku and potentially Nicolas Jackson could soon follow.

Players such as Ben Chilwell, Carney Chukwuemeka and Raheem Sterling are also expected to either generate a transfer fee or reduce the club's wage bill.

Written by
Darren Plant