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Felix is keen to return to Stamford Bridge and it is thought Chelsea could sign him for less than £40 million
Chelsea’s busy transfer window has taken another twist after Samu Omorodion’s move was called off at the last minute and the club were offered the chance to re-sign Joao Felix by Atletico Madrid.
Telegraph Sport can reveal that Felix has indicated a desire to move back to Chelsea, where he spent half a season on loan in 2023, and a willingness to take a significant cut to his salary to fit into the club’s wage structure.
It is anticipated that Chelsea could land Felix for an initial fee under £40 million and the terms of the deal may prove too favourable for them to turn down.
Atletico need to sell players to help fund the signings of Conor Gallagher from Chelsea and Julian Alvarez from Manchester City.
Were Chelsea to complete the signing of Felix, who has been a target for Aston Villa this summer, then it would put a significant question mark against the future of Raheem Sterling.
Juventus have contacted Chelsea to try to understand the conditions for a move for Sterling. The biggest obstacle would be his wages that are in excess of £300,000-a-week, but there is a sense that the former England international could leave Stamford Bridge before the summer transfer window shuts.
Chelsea may also be forced to listen to any enquiries for Noni Madueke if Felix, who can play as a second striker, on the left wing and as a number 10, re-signs and Sterling does not move.
A move for Felix would not impact Chelsea’s desire to sign an outright striker before the window shuts. A deal had been agreed for Omorodion with Atletico, the player and his agent before the move fell down at the final hurdle.
There is currently no expectation it will be revived or renegotiated, with Chelsea now looking at other options. The club remain interested in Victor Osimhen if he becomes available on loan, while there is an expectation that other opportunities will arise in the final weeks of the window.
Chelsea are confident that the first-team squad will be a manageable size for head coach Enzo Maresca once the transfer window shuts. It is believed the club are hoping to have a first-team squad of around 23 or 24 outfield players, with a number of players in line to leave either permanently or on loan.
Felix scored four goals in 20 appearances during his loan spell at Chelsea in 2023 and spent last season on loan at Barcelona, where he netted 10 times in 44 appearances.
