A major update has emerged on Chelsea and their pursuit of Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix in the current January transfer window...
What's the talk?
The Athletic's David Ornstein has revealed that the Blues are closing in on the signing of the Portuguese international from the Spanish side after agreeing the terms of a move to Stamford Bridge.
He Tweeted: "Chelsea reach verbal agreement to sign Joao Felix on loan from Atletico Madrid. Fee ~€11m (below initial #Atleti ask). Man Utd + Arsenal keen so 23yo had choice & #CFC project appealed. More reinforcements to follow this month."
Italian reporter Fabrizio Romano added to that by Tweeting: "Chelsea and Atlético Madrid are now completing final details of João Félix deal as Blues want to be fast and get it 100% sealed this week. #CFC Full agreement on personal terms as João has accepted Chelsea move — they will cover his full salary until June 30."
Season saved?
Graham Potter's side are in a disappointing position in the Premier League as it stands and the English head coach could save his team's season by completing this deal to sign Felix.
The Blues are currently 10th in the top-flight table and have already been knocked out of the FA Cup and the League Cup, by Manchester City on both occasions, whilst they are 19 points off Arsenal in first place.
Chelsea have scored 20 goals in 17 matches and 11 Premier League teams can boast a better record than them in front of goal, which means that they are in the bottom half for goals scored this season.
This indicates that goalscoring has been a major issue for the club and that their season could be saved, in the form of at least finishing in the top four, by increasing their output at the top end of the pitch.
Felix, who was once dubbed “immense” by teammate Yannick Carrasco, has produced four goals and three assists in seven La Liga starts for Atletico this term. He also managed eight strikes and four assists in 13 starts in the Spanish top-flight last term and these statistics indicate that he has the potential to provide regular goals and assists if he is given starts week-in-week-out.
The 23-year-old, who also scored one goal and assisted two in four World Cup appearances in Qatar, could be the threat at the top end of the pitch that they are currently lacking and improve their output in the Premier League.
No current Chelsea attacker has more than four goals or two assists and only three players in the entire squad have more than two strikes in the division.
Therefore, bringing in the magician from Atletico could save their season by providing the team with a gem who can regularly contribute in the final third to win matches for the side and help to push the side up the table in the coming months - saving their season in the process.