Chelsea may open negotiations with Atletico Madrid for Joao Felix but the on-loan star will not come cheap.
Joao Felix is one of a number of Chelsea players that have impressed in recent weeks as boss Graham Potter has relieved some of the pressure he was under following a run of impressive results, despite the 2-2 draw at home to Everton on Saturday evening. The Portuguese forward has formed a strong partnership with Kai Havertz in the forward positions, but his parent club Atletico Madrid would likely demand around £100million if they were to make his loan move permanent in the summer. Here, Express Sport has looked at five players that Todd Boehly and co could sell in order to raise the funds for Felix.
Romelu Lukaku
Despite many supporters and pundits insisting that Chelsea need a recognised number nine to complete Potter’s team, Romelu Lukaku may not end up being that man after an uninspiring second spell at Inter Milan. The Belgian has scored just three Serie A goals in 15 appearances amid an injury-hit campaign, while the Italian club reportedly will not take up the option to buy in his contract.
If Potter feels that Lukaku is not his preferred option up front, Chelsea could attempt to get back some of the £97.5m they spent on him in 2021 and use those funds on a permanent deal for Felix.
Joao Felix could join Chelsea permanently in the summer. (Image: Getty)
Hakim Ziyech
Hakim Ziyech was extremely close to securing a deadline day move to Paris Saint-Germain, but for the Blues to send the incorrect paperwork according to the French side. The 30-year-old has since featured only a handful of times and has not played in nearly a month, perhaps paving the way for a summer exit.
Noni Madueke may be viewed as a younger version of the Moroccan which would help the club ensure a smooth transition, while Ziyech has had considerable interest from Italy previously and PSG could return in the summer.
Hakim Ziyech in action for Chelsea. (Image: Getty)
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Once Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was dropped from Chelsea’s Champions League squad in February his future at the club beyond the current season became heavily in doubt. The former Arsenal and Barcelona forward has not made the desired impact and he expected to leave in the summer for a nominal fee, though it could be put to good use if the money is added to the Felix fund.
Callum Hudson-Odoi
Callum Hudson-Odoi has spent the season out on loan at Bayer Leverkusen and would likely fetch the highest transfer fee of those mentioned to raise funds for Felix. Potter has not yet worked with the 22-year-old but after an influx of forward signings during Todd Boehly’s tenure he may be considered dispensable.
Hudson-Odoi has not had the loan spell he was hoping for, having failed to score a goal in the Bundesliga and recording just one league assist in 13 appearances, though the potential he has shown previously in the Premier League would likely tempt an English team into forking out for the winger.
Callum Hudson-Odoi on loan at Bayer Leverkusen from Chelsea. (Image: Getty)
Ruben Loftus-Cheek
Ruben Loftus-Cheek has proved to be a valuable player in Potter’s squad in recent weeks, but he could see his minutes reduced next year. He has often filled in at right wing-back in Reece James’ absence, but Malo Gusto will have joined to fill that gap and further midfield additions could even hamper his place alongside Enzo Fernandez.
N’Golo Kante is returning to fitness, meaning that Loftus Cheek will have to compete with Fernandez, Kante, Mateo Kovacic and Conor Gallagher for minutes and he may wish to bolster his international hopes by landing a move somewhere he can firmly be first choice.
