Chelsea very close to sign Joao Felix from Atletico

Chelsea are reportedly close to signing Atletico Madrid striker Joao Felix. The move could see Blues midfielder Conor Gallagher move to the Spanish club.

Chelsea are reportedly close to signing Atletico Madrid striker Joao Felix. The move could see Blues midfielder Conor Gallagher move to the Spanish club.

Chelsea have reportedly agreed a £40 million (approximately $51 million) deal with Atletico to bring the 24-year-old back to Stamford Bridge.

Felix spent a disappointing six-month loan spell at Stamford Bridge for the second half of the 2022/23 season, scoring four goals in 20 appearances.

Chelsea are said to have offered the 24-year-old Portugal international, who was on loan to Barcelona last season, a six-year contract.

The England midfielder’s transfer fell through last week after Chelsea were unable to agree a deal for Real Madrid striker Sam Omorodion, so Felix’s arrival could finally complete his move to Atletico. Atletico would have needed to sell Omorodion or another player to free up funds for Gallagher. Gallagher was photographed in Spain ahead of a planned £33 million transfer and has been training alone since returning to Chelsea last week.

Chelsea, who lost 2-0 to Manchester City in their Premier League opener on Sunday, are also said to have received an offer from Napoli for Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku.

Former Manchester United and Everton star Lukaku (31) spent last season on loan at Roma.

Meanwhile, Raheem Sterling’s future at Chelsea remains uncertain after new head coach Enzo Maresca said he wanted clarity on the former England winger’s situation in the coming days.

Sterling was left out of the Blues’ squad for the City match and his agent released a statement questioning the decision.