Aston Villa are reportedly making significant progress in their pursuit of Joao Felix from Chelsea, as highlighted by sources including The Hard Tackle. With the winter transfer window drawing to a close, the club is keen to bolster its attacking options further, particularly following the recent acquisition of Donyell Malen from Borussia Dortmund.
Felix's time at Chelsea has been fraught with challenges since his £45 million transfer from Atletico Madrid last summer. This move raised eyebrows, especially given Chelsea's already formidable attacking lineup. The 25-year-old forward has struggled to secure a consistent place in the starting eleven during the current 2024/25 season, featuring in just 20 matches across all competitions. While he has managed to score seven goals and provide two assists, he has yet to surpass 1,000 minutes on the pitch.
Despite these difficulties, Felix remains an attractive prospect for top clubs across Europe. While AC Milan has emerged as a potential destination, Aston Villa are reportedly eager to outbid their competitors and secure the Chelsea forward's signature before the transfer window closes.
Aston Villa's interest in Felix is not a recent development; they had considered signing him during the summer transfer window, although that move ultimately did not materialise. The current pursuit aligns with manager Unai Emery's strategy to enhance his attacking resources, particularly in light of Jhon Duran's impending transfer to Al-Nassr.
Reports suggest that Felix is open to a move to Villa Park, which is hardly surprising given that he has started only three of Chelsea's 23 Premier League matches this season. Aston Villa can offer him the opportunity to compete in the UEFA Champions League, a prospect that Chelsea currently cannot provide.
Given these circumstances, Aston Villa appear well-positioned to secure the signing of the Portuguese international. However, with the winter transfer window set to close soon, it remains uncertain whether Chelsea and Aston Villa can reach an agreement before the deadline on Monday. The coming days will be crucial as both clubs navigate the complexities of the transfer market.