Chelsea agree deal to sign Joao Felix – Ornstein

Chelsea have reached an agreement with Atletico Madrid for Joao Felix, according to David Ornstein.

The Blues are on the verge of sealing another huge transfer – and a controversial one at that. Chelsea have struck a deal with Atletico Madrid over Portuguese attacker Felix.

The 24-year-old already spent the second half of 2022/23 on loan at Stamford Bridge without ever really managing to impress. Nevertheless, Chelsea were keen to keep him at the club permanently only for the deal to be vetoed by then-coach Mauricio Pochettino.

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It has been years since Felix last consistently performed at an elite level, even failing to have a significant impact at his ‘dream club’ Barcelona last season, so Chelsea fans are right to be sceptical about his impending arrival.

Unfortunately for those opposed to it, the transfer is set to go through barring another late collapse.

Chelsea transfer close

As mentioned, David Ornstein of The Athletic has revealed that an agreement has been reached between Chelsea and Atletico Madrid. Felix is set to sign a six-year deal with the option for a further year. The exact amount of the transfer fee has not yet been disclosed.

The player is keen on the move and so are, of course, Chelsea as this deal will unblock their Conor Gallagher mess at last. The fan favourite has been stuck in transfer limbo for over a week due to the Blues’ signing of Samu Omorodion falling through.

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Gallagher had already completed his medical at Atletico Madrid, signed his contract and the club even posted a picture of him on their social media accounts. He eventually had to return to England, however, and he has been training with the rest of Chelsea’s outcasts away from first-team facilities.

Chelsea’s signing of Felix would finally allow Gallagher to belatedly complete his move to Atletico – a move he is essentially being forced to make by the Blues’ hierarchy, who are also trying to push Trevoh Chalobah, Armando Broja, Ben Chilwell and Raheem Sterling out of the club.