Atletico Madrid and Chelsea are continuing their talks over a deal for Joao Felix, and there is growing confidence a deal will be agreed, HITC understands.
Chelsea switched their attentions to a possible deal for Joao Felix after their move for Samu Omorodion collapsed at the last moment.
That has impacted on Conor Gallagher’s potential move to the Spanish capital, but talks continuing between the two clubs over Felix.
Chelsea confident of sealing Joao Felix
HITC is informed by sources close to agent Jorge Mendes, who is masterminding Felix’s proposed move, that whilst an agreement is not yet in place talks are indeed progressing.
Atletico had initially been asking €60million (£51million) for the player they paid £113m for in 2019.
However, HITC is told that if Chelsea get to a figure over €50million (£42million) then that is likely the point that Atletico will agree to let him leave.
Atletico insists they want to sell Felix on a permanent deal, as they have dismissed potential loan moves to his first club Benfica and Barcelona – where he spent last season.
Aston Villa remain keen on Felix, but as it stands Chelsea’s negotiations are being given priority.
Conor Gallagher continues to wait
Whilst Atletico talk over a deal for Felix – the other deal that has already been agreed between the two clubs for Conor Gallagher – remains in limbo.
Chelsea insist that everything is agreed at their end and Gallagher has even penned his deal, but Atletico have not signed off on the move.
Atletico insist that they don’t need to sell Felix to do Gallagher, but having already spent £80m on Julian Alvarez, it is understood that the Felix money is indeed needed to help fund that move.
Chelsea believe that Gallagher’s move will go ahead but he is still in limbo as he is back in England waiting for Atletico to finalise the deal.
HITC is told that Chelsea have willingness to finalise the Felix and Gallagher deals over the weekend.
Chelsea are in for a busy end to the window, as the club’s hierarchy are continuing their talks with Napoli over deals for Romelu Lukaku and Victor Osimhen.
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