Chelsea Football Club is reportedly considering the inclusion of Joao Felix in a potential deal to acquire Jhon Duran from Aston Villa, as interest in the young Colombian striker continues to grow. This development coincides with Felix's desire to depart Stamford Bridge, driven by limited playing opportunities, as highlighted by Metro.co.uk.
Since joining Chelsea for £45 million from Atletico Madrid last summer, Felix has encountered significant challenges. This season, he has made only three starts in the Premier League, finding himself behind teammates such as Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, Pedro Neto, and Jadon Sancho in manager Enzo Maresca’s attacking hierarchy. His frustration with a diminished role has led him to contemplate a move away from the club, particularly with the January transfer window approaching.
Aston Villa has emerged as a strong contender to secure Felix's services, having initiated discussions with Chelsea earlier this week. Villa manager Unai Emery has expressed a keen interest in Felix, having attempted to sign him prior to Chelsea's acquisition last summer. With Villa currently positioned eighth in the Premier League, the prospect of remaining in England’s top tier may be appealing to the 25-year-old.
Chelsea appears willing to facilitate Felix's departure if a suitable arrangement can be reached, and they may propose including Duran in the negotiations, as suggested by talkSPORT. Duran has been linked with a move away from Villa Park, where he has primarily played a supporting role to England striker Ollie Watkins this season. Arsenal, under the management of Mikel Arteta, is also keen on Duran, looking to enhance their attacking options before the winter window closes. Additionally, West Ham's new manager, Graham Potter, is undeterred after Villa rejected a £57 million bid for Duran.
This interest in Duran comes at a challenging juncture for Chelsea, who have slipped from second to sixth in the Premier League standings over the past month. Their starting striker, Nicolas Jackson, is currently experiencing a goal drought, having failed to find the net in his last seven matches, raising concerns about his effectiveness in the role. Earlier in the season, Maresca acknowledged Felix as one of three players deserving of a starting position.
Following Villa's recent 1-1 draw against West Ham, Emery addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding Duran, stating, "The circumstances in this moment are not helping us to be 100% focused. But Jhon Duran is our player and I am happy with him. I want him here with us. I want him here."
Felix's tenure at Chelsea has been tumultuous, having spent the latter half of the 2022-23 season on loan at the club before making a permanent return last summer. As he contemplates a new opportunity, the potential move to Aston Villa could provide a fresh start for the talented forward.