- 3 hours ago
How Chelsea could line up with Joao Felix
James Shearman
- Updated: 23 May 2023 09:00 CDT
- 3 min read
Chelsea have beaten Manchester United and Arsenal to the loan signing of Joao Felix.
The trio were all heavily linked with a move for Felix in recent months, but the Portugal international will now turn out for Chelsea for the remainder of the season.
On the back of a difficult run of games, where manager Graham Potter has come under pressure, owner Todd Boehly has backed his man.
MORE: Premier League 2022/23 January transfers: All the Done Deals
The Blues have agreed to pay Atletico Madrid £9 million as well as covering his full wages.
No buy option has yet been agreed, but Chelsea will certainly be eyeing up a permanent transfer for Felix, according to CBS reporter Ben Jacobs.
The west London club are in desperate need of creativity, having scored just 20 goals in the Premier league this season, which is what Felix should provide.
How Chelsea could line up with Joao Felix
Edouard Mendy has fallen out of favour under Potter, with Kepa Arrizabalaga, the world's most expensive goalkeeper, the man preferred in between the sticks.
Reece James and Ben Chilwell have seldom been fit enough to start many games together, but they remain the first-choice full-back pairing at Stamford Bridge.
Wesley Fofana has also had his injury woes, while Kalidou Koulibaly has been underwhelming, so Benoit Badiashile will partner Thiago Silva in the centre of defence.
Chelsea have moved fast to agree a verbal deal with Atletico Madrid for Joao Felix after late night internal talks where they decided to proceed. As reported, Atleti's loan price dropped from original quote & #CFC expected to pay around £9m & 100% of Felix's wages (£5.3m). pic.twitter.com/kExxCUXAAa
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) January 9, 2023
Mateo Kovacic has emerged as Chelsea's best midfielder over the past 18 months and Denis Zakaria has come into form in recent weeks.
Joao Felix can play as an attacking midfielder, but Potter is a big fan of Mason Mount.
Summer signing Raheem Sterling will keep his place on the right flank, with Felix likely to take his place on the left.
Kai Havertz will lead the line, with Armando Broja injured and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang looking a poor piece of business.
