This move will facilitate a transfer in the opposite direction for Conor Gallagher. Talks have intensified in recent days as Atletico need to release a player before a move for Gallagher is finalised, with the latter having been training separately from the first team at Cobham while awaiting news on his future.
Although the exact transfer figure has not been revealed, it is believed that the deal for Felix could be in the region of €50 million, including bonuses. The Portuguese international did not feature in Atletico’s first La Liga match against Villarreal. Furthermore, it has been reported that Felix has agreed a six-year contract with the option of an additional year, having been on loan at the club last year, during which he scored four goals in 20 games.
Gallagher, meanwhile, is set to travel to Madrid and complete his £34m move, having agreed personal terms and undergone a medical. Felix would become Chelsea’s 11th signing of the summer and his arrival could further complicate things for Raheem Sterling at the club, who was left out of the Premier League opener against Manchester City.
Sterling’s camp have issued a statement saying he has maintained a good relationship with manager Enzo Maresca, having played in all six pre-season games. However, Sterling is seeking “clarity on his situation” following his absence from the game, where other players such as Christopher Nkunku, Mykhailo Mudryk and Neto were given the chance to play.
