How Chelsea could line up with Joao Felix ~ Football vows

Chelsea have beaten Manchester United and Arsenal to the loan signing of Joao Felix, according to reports.

The trio have been heavily linked with a move for Felix in recent months, but the Portugal international is now close to joining Chelsea for the remainder of the season.

The Blues have agreed to pay Atletico Madrid £9 million as well as covering his full wages

On the back of a difficult run of games, where manager Graham Potter has come under pressure, owner Todd Boehly appears to have backed his man.

No buy option has yet been agreed, but Chelsea will certainly be eyeing up a permanent transfer for Felix, according to CBS reporter Ben Jacobs.

The west London club are in desperate need of creativity, having scored just 20 goals in the Premier league this season, which is what Felix should provide.

How Chelsea could line up with Joao Felix

douard Mendy has fallen out of favour under Potter, with Kepa Arrizabalaga, the world’s most expensive goalkeeper, the man preferred in between the sticks.

Reece James and Ben Chilwell have seldom been fit enough to start many games together, but they remain the first-choice full-back pairing at Stamford Bridge.

Wesley Fofana has also had his injury woes, while Kalidou Koulibaly has been underwhelming, so Benoit Badiashile will partner Thiago Silva in the centre of defence.

Mateo Kovacic has emerged as Chelsea’s best midfielder over the past 18 months and Denis Zakaria has come into form in recent weeks.

Joao Felix can play as an attacking midfielder, but Potter is a big fan of Mason Mount.

Summer signing Raheem Sterling will keep his place on the right flank, with Felix likely to take his place on the left.

Kai Havertz will lead the line, with Armando Broja injured and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang looking a poor piece of business.

Football Transfers & Rumours

Erik ten Hag told to rip up Man Utd transfer plan after Joel Glazer disagreement

Erik ten Hag ideally wants to sell Antony Martial this summer to free up funds and wages to help strengthen his Manchester United squad after a frustrating campaign

Keep reading