AC Milan has initiated discussions with Chelsea regarding the potential acquisition of Joao Felix, as the transfer deadline approaches. The Italian club is keen on the Portuguese forward as a possible replacement for Alvaro Morata, whose future remains uncertain amid ongoing speculation about a departure from the San Siro.
Felix's position at Chelsea has become increasingly precarious, with the player struggling to secure a regular place in Enzo Maresca's starting XI this season. He has voiced a desire for more consistent playing time and was initially identified as a target for Aston Villa following Emiliano Buendia's move to Bayer Leverkusen. The Midlands club viewed Felix as an ideal candidate to fill the void left by the Argentine winger.
However, recent developments have complicated Aston Villa's pursuit of Felix. Chelsea now regards Villa as a direct competitor for a top-four finish in the Premier League, prompting the London club to resist loan offers in favour of a permanent transfer. Ongoing discussions between the two clubs indicate that negotiations are intricate and sensitive.
Milan's interest in Felix is noteworthy, with reports suggesting that talks are progressing. Chelsea is advocating for a buy obligation to be included in any potential loan agreement, while AC Milan seeks to leverage their historical ties with Chelsea to secure a favourable deal. The two clubs have a history of player exchanges, with notable transfers including Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Christian Pulisic, and Fikayo Tomori.
With Aston Villa seemingly stepping back from the chase for Felix, AC Milan could find themselves in a strong position to secure the talented forward. The Rossoneri are currently undergoing a significant overhaul of their attacking options, with Santiago Gimenez poised to join the squad and Morata likely to depart. Acquiring Felix would represent a strategic move, particularly as Milan had previously shown interest in him during the last summer transfer window before he ultimately signed with Chelsea.
The success of this potential transfer will largely hinge on Milan's ability to negotiate the inclusion of a buy obligation in any loan agreement, as Chelsea's valuation of Felix remains a crucial factor in these discussions. As the transfer deadline looms, all eyes will be on how this situation develops and whether AC Milan can successfully bolster their ranks with Felix.