In a fascinating turn of events, Chelsea have reportedly made an improved bid to Atletico Madrid for the talented Joao Felix. This move comes after a complex transfer triangle involving Julian Alvarez, Conor Gallagher, and players from Atletico has been in the works for over a week. While Alvarez has already completed his switch to the La Liga giants, Gallagher has returned to England after a brief five-day stint in the Spanish capital.
The failed deal for Samu Omorodion prompted Chelsea to turn their attention to Felix, who had previously been on loan at the club. Over the past 48 hours, the clubs involved have been embroiled in negotiations to hammer out new terms that will benefit all parties involved.
One of the major hurdles in the negotiations seems to be the valuation of Felix by Atletico, which is significantly higher than that of Omorodion. Chelsea, on the other hand, are looking to maximize the profit they can generate from Gallagher, leading to a complex situation for co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital.
According to reports from O Jogo, Chelsea have tabled a £54m proposal for the Portuguese international, with the majority of the amount to be paid upfront. However, this structure may not necessarily be to Atletico’s liking, adding another layer of complexity to the deal.
The question now remains whether Chelsea will have a limit on their bid for Felix, considering the financial constraints imposed by the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability regulations. Despite the player’s willingness to make the move, his previous loan spell at Chelsea saw him score just four goals in 20 appearances.
Furthermore, Chelsea are also reportedly in the market for a recognized center-forward while simultaneously working on offloading high-earning players to balance their wage bill. The intricacies of this transfer saga continue to unfold, with both clubs keen on finding a resolution that suits everyone involved.
