Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone admits that Chelsea target Joao Felix is ‘not untouchable’
Speaking to the reporters in Spain (h/t Evening Standard), Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has admitted that no one, including Chelsea target Joao Felix, is untouchable at the club.
The Portugal international, who had an excellent World Cup where he showed his true qualities, has his Atleti future in doubt.
Daily Record claims that the Spanish giants would be open to loaning the forward in the January window and then make the departure permanent in the summer (h/t Evening Standard).
Here’s what Simeone said regarding player departure, with a focus on Felix (h/t Evening Standard):
“I hope we can give João some serenity, and joy to show what he learned at the World Cup — he’s important.
“I only focus on Atleti to win. Our CEO’s words on Joao’s future? Whatever has to happen, will happen. Here no one is untouchable.”
Chelsea were offered a chance to sign the former Benfica star, while Arsenal have scouted him and are looking at the possibility to sign as a potential replacement for injured Gabriel Jesus.
The 23-year-old’s contract at the Wanda Metropolitano still lasts until the summer of 2026 (Transfermarkt), but that doesn’t seem to be a hindrance in this issue as the player and the club are looking to part ways.
Felix is a top player who can operate in any position across the front line and can also play as a number 10 behind the striker. His numbers in the last league season for Benfica before signing for Atleti were 15 goals and nine assists in 26 appearances.
Since then, he hasn’t crossed the 10-goal mark in either of the last three seasons for the La Liga side, the best being eight goals in 24 league games in 2021/22.
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We are lacking a player like Felix, who can score goals, be clever with his movements, drop back and create chances and play in multiple positions across the forward line. In the current Chelsea team, apart from maybe Raheem Sterling, nobody can operate in more than one position and be equally effective.
So, it would be a no-brainer if the Blues snap at the opportunity to sign Felix next month.