One former Chelsea player could be set for a return to the Premier League this summer amid interest from Aston Villa.
The 2023 summer transfer window saw several players leave Chelsea and England for other countries.
N’Golo Kante and Kalidou Koulibaly, for example, both departed west London for Saudi Arabia, joining Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal respectively.
The former is now attracting interest from West Ham United, just one year after leaving England. Al-Ittihad don’t want to lose Kante to West Ham, however.
Joao Felix also left Stamford Bridge last summer, but the Portuguese forward was only there on an initial loan spell.
Aston Villa keen on Joao Felix
It looks like Felix may get another taste of Premier League football, with Villa reportedly interested in him.
According to talkSPORT, Villa are considering making a move for Felix, who has returned to Atletico Madrid following his loan spell at Barcelona last season.
Months after joining Chelsea in another loan deal, Mauricio Pochettino was appointed to succeed Graham Potter as manager.
The Argentine did not seem too keen on the 24-year-old, hence why his loan was never turned into a permanent transfer.
“We have been informed that Pochettino does not count on Joao Felix for Chelsea,” Atletico president Enrique Cerezo was quoted as saying by The Independent.
Chelsea will not rival Aston Villa for Joao Felix
Felix is quite a silky and skilful player. There are probably some Chelsea fans who would love to have him back at the club.
However, there is simply no reason for Todd Boehly and Co to sanction a deal for the Portugal international this summer.
Chelsea have Christopher Nkunku, who is a second striker/attacking midfielder like Felix. Cole Palmer, of course, can also play just behind the No.9.
Therefore, Felix is not someone you would expect Enzo Maresca to push for. If the new Chelsea manager did and Felix was brought in, it would be a very big surprise.
The Blues’ priority before the transfer window closes probably needs to be a recognised centre-forward after relying heavily on Nicolas Jackson last term.
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