Aston Villa are reportedly rekindling their interest in Chelsea forward Joao Felix, with a potential bid expected as the transfer deadline looms. The Portuguese international, who made a permanent switch to Chelsea this summer for £38.4 million, was initially a primary target for Villa manager Unai Emery. Felix's move to Stamford Bridge followed a promising loan spell, during which he sought to establish himself within the squad.
However, the current season has posed challenges for Felix, who has found it difficult to secure regular playing time under Chelsea's head coach Enzo Maresca. The fierce competition among Chelsea's attacking options has curtailed his opportunities, potentially opening a door for Aston Villa to explore a move, as highlighted by The Mirror. The club is reportedly eager to bring the talented forward to Villa Park.
The specifics of Villa's pursuit remain somewhat ambiguous; it is unclear whether they would aim for a permanent signing of Felix. Notably, Villa have also shown interest in Chelsea defender Axel Disasi, who is expected to join the club on loan. This scenario would necessitate a permanent transfer for Felix, as Premier League regulations prohibit clubs from having more than one player on loan from another Premier League team. Consequently, this rules out the possibility of acquiring Felix on a temporary basis.
Despite starting only three Premier League matches this season, Felix has demonstrated moments of brilliance during his time at Chelsea, particularly towards the conclusion of the previous campaign. His significant transfer from Atletico Madrid, valued at £112 million, highlights his potential worth. Chelsea's interest in Villa's striker Jhon Duran could further complicate matters as they assess Felix's situation.
Nevertheless, a move for Duran appears unlikely at this stage. Emery recently addressed the swirling transfer speculation, dismissing reports of a £57 million bid for Duran from West Ham. He emphasised, “It is not only with Jhon Duran but other players as well. I am focusing a lot on how we are thinking and planning each match and every player is focusing on it." Emery further stated, "My focus and with the players we have is on the match against West Ham and being professional, mature, responsible and serious."
As the transfer deadline approaches, Aston Villa's strategic decisions could significantly shape the composition of their squad for the remainder of the season. The situation surrounding Felix, along with the broader transfer landscape, remains fluid, leaving fans and analysts alike keenly anticipating how developments will unfold.