“Realistic”- Rival boss opens up on the pursuit of on-loan Chelsea ace last January

Unai Emery says Aston Villa were in contention against Chelsea to land Joao Felix

According to Aston Villa manager, Unai Emery, the midlands club were in the fray to land Joao Felix on loan from Atletico Madrid before he moved to Chelsea. While a deal was difficult, it would not have been impossible.

The Portuguese star will spend the remainder of the season on loan at Stamford Bridge and his agreement does not have a buyback clause. While Chelsea are interested in signing the 23-year-old, it remains to be seen if they are ready to splash the cash needed.

Aston Villa were interested in signing the 23-year-old and sent scouts to observe him play on many occasions. It is fair to say that landing him would have been a coup of sorts for Emery and co.

And things might have been different if Felix had signed with Aston Villa in January. The Villains spoke with Jorge Mendes, Felix’s agent, about a possible transfer to the club but weren’t able to pull it off.

Before their matchup with Chelsea (h/t Football.London), Emery spoke to the media and shared how he nearly welcomed the 23-year-old star to Aston Villa Park in January.

“We are realistic about how we can improve and how we can add players to improve our squad.”

“Joao Felix was not totally impossible for us, but he wanted to play for a team in the Champions League. He has a high salary, and he plays for Chelsea on loan. Chelsea paid a lot of money for that. He’s a very good player, but we were never really in the running for him.”

It’s great that we were able to land him before other teams, including Arsenal, made their move. His investment has undoubtedly paid off, as the Portuguese player has two goals in seven outings and has had a significant impact on the pitch.

Being financially sound has various benefits, including the ability to sign elite players that other teams who are financially weak cannot.

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His performance has been impressive, and it has convinced Todd Boehly to make his loan from Atletico Madrid permanent. And now that we face Aston Villa next, Felix will be crucial in this game and try to add more goals for Chelsea.