Chelsea transfer news: Blues now unsure if they can sign Arsenal target

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Chelsea are reportedly having second thoughts about signing Joao Felix permanently amid rumours that Atletico Madrid wants as much as £120m for the January Arsenal target.

According to journalist Dean Jones, the Blues could struggle to pull off their upcoming summer transfer plan of they sign Felix on a permanent deal that matches what Atletico want for the Portuguese international, with Financial Fair Play rules likely to cause some issues.

Chelsea beat the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United to Felix in January, with the on-loan La Liga star arguably being the Blues’ best player in 2023 despite playing just four games for the west London side in all competitions, with the forward adjusting to the Premier League side well.

Since then, rumours have increased that Chelsea are keen to sign Felix on a permanent deal. However, there’s now growing uncertainty that Graham Potter’s side might have to pass up on the Atletico outcast given how much the Madrid-based giants want for their superstar forward.

As a result, Arsenal could potentially have a second chance to sign Felix in the summer having missed out on the attacker in January, with the 23-year-old now likely a more attractive option for the Gunners as well as supporters having seen what the Portuguese talisman can do in the Premier League.

Indeed, despite a red card against Fulham, Felix has taken to English football like a duck to water. And if Chelsea are now thinking about dropping their plans to sign the Atletico loanee on a permanent deal, Arsenal could willing to make a move for the versatile striker.

Chelsea failing to sign Felix permanently could lead to Arsenal move

Arsenal were heavily linked with Felix in the January transfer window as reported by the Athletic. And although Mikel Arteta’a side missed out on the Portuguese international, the summer could provide the Premier League leaders with a chance to beat Chelsea at their own game.

After all, the Blues swooped in at the last second to sign Mykhailo Mudryk from Arsenal, and the Gunners can now give Chelsea a taste of their own medicine by agreeing on a deal for Felix with Atletico, especially if Arteta’s side go the distance and win the Premier League.