Chelsea target 'showing big interest' with transfer imminent 'in next few days'

Chelsea are reportedly set to wrap up their pursuit of Joao Felix in the next few days after progressing in talks with Atletico Madrid. The former Blues loanee has found himself at the centre of a long-running saga but it seems everything will finally be settled in the near future.

Felix is showing ‘big interest’ in the idea of returning to Chelsea with Stamford Bridge chiefs encouraged by his stance on the proposed move, according to Fabrizio Romano. It is said that a deal is expected to be done by the end of the week, paving the way for his return to be rubber-stamped.

It was reported by Sky Sports earlier on Friday that negotiations were progressing well behind the scenes, with only minor details left to be ironed out. Talks between the two clubs are now believed to be focused on the structure of the payments Chelsea will make to Atletico.

The Spanish giants are keen to sell Felix to Chelsea to give themselves enough money to finance a move for Blues midfielder Conor Gallagher. The 24-year-old was in Madrid last weekend to undergo a medical and finalise the details of his contract before the switch was put on hold.

Chelsea were set to sign Atletico youngster Samu Omorodion as part of the agreement but that deal collapsed at the eleventh hour. The Blues quickly switched their focus to a move for Felix which, if successful, will allow Gallagher to join Atletico as originally planned.

Portuguese outlet O Jogo have reported that Chelsea are set to pay an initial transfer fee of around £30million in exchange for Felix’s signature. It is said that another £25m will be paid to Atletico at a later date, taking the total value of the deal up to around £55m.

Felix spent the second half of the 2022/23 campaign on loan at Chelsea, scoring four goals during his short spell at Stamford Bridge. He joined Barcelona on a temporary basis at the start of last season and found the net on 10 occasions in 44 appearances before returning to Atletico.

Chelsea have already spent heavily to improve their squad this summer with Enzo Maresca wasting no time in delving into the transfer market. Felix will become their 10th signing of the window if he ends up rejoining the club, with the move seemingly on the verge of being completed barring any late hiccups.