As the January transfer window approaches its conclusion, former football stars Gary Lineker and Micah Richards have expressed reservations regarding the potential transfer of Joao Felix from Chelsea to Aston Villa. Villa are preparing for a busy period, particularly with the looming possibility of losing two key forwards. Arsenal have reportedly initiated a bold pursuit of Ollie Watkins; however, Villa's management remains steadfast in their assertion that the England international is not for sale. In a surprising development, Colombian forward Jhon Duran is expected to make a £64 million move to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr.
In light of these changes, Villa manager Unai Emery has shown interest in acquiring Felix to fill the void left by Duran’s departure. The 25-year-old forward is eager to leave Stamford Bridge, having returned to Chelsea last summer in a deal that could total £46.3 million. However, his time at the club has been fraught with challenges, as he has started just three Premier League matches under manager Enzo Maresca, with Cole Palmer currently preferred in the attacking lineup.
While the potential transfer appears beneficial for all parties involved, Lineker and Richards remain sceptical about Felix's fit within Villa’s tactical framework. On the podcast *The Rest is Football*, Lineker remarked, "That's a funny one because he's a player that went with a massive price tag when he was really young to Atletico Madrid. He's huffed and puffed and threatened on occasions to show that potential and it's never really materialised for him. There's no question there's a lot of ability in there but he's never managed to get a regular starting place anywhere so I don't know what Aston Villa would see him as."
Richards, a former defender at Villa, echoed these concerns, stating, "That's the thing. It's not a mistake because he's a fancy name. Everyone wants a marquee signing and to get a player of that stature by name to Villa Park would be amazing. They just have to be careful. What makes Villa so good is how they press, and when Watkins is out of the team you've got Duran; behind him, you've got Morgan Rogers. If Rogers is injured, you can play John McGinn further forward; if not McGinn, then you can play Jacob Ramsey in that position. The one thing that all those players have is high work rate, intensity, and a good press. So if you bring in a flair player, you do have to have options, but you're going away from what got you to where they are now, which is competitive in the Champions League and the Premier League. So I would worry a little bit with that one. I think he's a class player technically, but it's just the press I would worry about."
Regardless of the outcomes concerning Felix and Duran, Aston Villa are set to face Wolverhampton Wanderers in their next Premier League fixture this Saturday evening. The club recently celebrated a notable advancement to the Champions League last 16 following a 4-2 victory over Celtic midweek. Meanwhile, Chelsea will host West Ham in a London derby on Monday night. As reported by Metro.co.uk, the evolving transfer situation will be closely monitored as the window nears its end.