The Chelsea ownership will be looking to keep supporters on board following the excellent end to the season on the pitch.
Todd Boehly celebrated his first trophy since taking over the club when he lifted the Conference League trophy following the 4-1 win over Real Betis.
As the club look to make big signings to give backing to Enzo Maresca, they will need to part ways with a number of first team stars in the process.
One of those they will want to move on is Joao Felix, with it seeming clear that he is no longer part of the project at Stamford Bridge.
The Portugal international spent the second half of last season on loan at AC Milan, however struggled greatly and was criticised for his performances.
Chelsea could complete swap deal involving Joao Felix
With a potential Felix return to Benfica on the cards, Simon Phillips has stated that Chelsea are considering pitching a swap deal that would include one of Antonio Silva or Tomas Araujo to come the other way.
He said on his Substack: “So as you would have heard about yesterday, Benfica want to bring Felix back to the club this summer. At the moment, they are trying to loan him without any option or obligation to sell. Chelsea ideally want to sell and are keeping the door open to other suitors coming in.
“A dry loan deal is not fully being ruled out at Chelsea but this obviously does not help them unless Benfica take on all of his wages during the loan spell.
“SPTC sources have heard that Chelsea are considering going back to Benfica and speaking about a potential trade deal for one of Antonio Silva or Tomas Araujo to arrive at Chelsea as part of an unofficial swap deal.
“We’ve heard that Chelsea REALLY want at least one new centre back to bring to the CWC. This does not yet mean the Jarrad Branthwaite deal or other interests such as Marc Guehi is dead though. Although so far, Everton are desperately trying to keep Branthwaite and are trying to persuade him to stay for another season.”
Chelsea big fans of Silva and Araujo
Chelsea’s interest in the Benfica pair dates back a number of transfer windows now, with them amongst the best young defenders in Europe.
They will be aware though that it would cost them a serious amount of money to sign one outright. Silva is reported to cost around £86m due to his release clause (El Nacional).
A swap deal is very rarely pulled off in football, but Chelsea are being linked with a number of them this summer.
There has been talk that the Blues could offer Nicolas Jackson as part of a deal to try and bring in Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa. Unai Emery is a big fan of the Senegal international.
