How Joao Felix affects Chelsea’s Marcus Thuram move

Robin Bairner

• 12 Jan 2023 09:59 GMT
• 3 min read

Chelsea completed their fourth signing of the January transfer window on Wednesday with the capture of Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid on loan – but the arrival of the Portugal attacker will not stop them chasing another major addition.

The Blues have been linked with a move for Borussia Monchengladbach attacker Marcus Thuram, who is out of contract in the summer and could be available for as little as €12 million this month.

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The France international has, therefore, attracted significant interest from several Premier League clubs, with Manchester United linked with the 25-year-old as a possible solution for their attacking issues.

Fabrizio Romano says that just because Felix has already moved to Stamford Bridge, that does not rule out the possibility of Thuram joining him.

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Why Chelsea still want Thuram

Chelsea’s stance on the matter is quite logical given the details of the Felix loan.

The Atletico Madrid forward signed a new contract with the Spanish club running until 2027 before completing his loan move, which does not have a purchase clause in it. The chances of him remaining with Chelsea beyond the end of the season look slim, though there remains the possibility of a major U-turn.

Nevertheless, Chelsea need longer-term assurance in attack, and while a deal for RB Leipzig winger Christopher Nkunku has long been tied up for the 2023/24 season, Thuram would represent another useful option for the Blues to be able to lean on.

Although a player who has been touted for a big future for some years, Thuram is enjoying a real breakout season personally with a Gladbach side foundering in the middle reaches of the Bundesliga table. Despite his side’s disappointing performances, he has scored 13 goals in 17 games across all competitions.

With an impressive scoring rate, versatility and a physical build that would appear to suit the Premier League, Thuram is a low-cost, low-risk option and it is little wonder Chelsea remain interested in a transfer.