Maresca to axe Joao Felix? European giants want Chelsea flop

Tom Weber

Updated: 18 Jan 2025 16:11 GMT
3 min read

Joao Felix, Enzo Maresca, Chelsea, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

AC Milan have approached Chelsea regarding a transfer of Joao Felix, according to Italian media.

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The Portugal international has, quite predictably, been a disappointing signing for the Blues. Chelsea did not need another attacking midfielder, but they signed Felix for a whopping €52 million anyway simply so that they could force through Conor Gallagher's transfer to Atletico Madrid in the summer.

Unsurprisingly, Felix has struggled to regularly feature at Stamford Bridge. The 25-year-old has consistently underwhelmed in recent seasons and this hasn't changed under Enzo Maresca.

To date, Felix has made just three Premier League starts for Chelsea and he primarily plays in the 'B Team' that competes in the Conference League and the domestic cups.

Due to his lack of meaningful minutes, there has been some speculation surrounding the attacker and earlier this week, Fenerbahce were linked with an ambitious swoop for him.

Milan make Felix approach

Now, Di Marzio reports that AC Milan have also entered the race for Felix, who is described as a dream target for compatriot Sergio Conceicao.

Milan have decided to target Felix after cooling their interest in Marcus Rashford. Due to post-Brexit Serie A regulations, Italian clubs can only sign one British player per transfer window and the Rossoneri have chosen Man City captain Kyle Walker over the Man Utd outcast.

Felix is viewed as a viable alternative to Rashford, although so far it appears as though Milan's pursuit will end in frustration. The Serie A side would prefer a loan, which Chelsea are not interested in.

Moreover, head coach Enzo Maresca has not given the green light to a potential departure of Felix at this point despite the fact that Chelsea are already looking at potential replacements or at the very least at more attacking reinforcements.