Aston Villa could make a fresh attempt to sign Chelsea forward Joao Felix this summer, offering him an escape route from Stamford Bridge. The 25-year-old, currently on loan at AC Milan, was previously linked with a move to Villa in January but ultimately joined the Serie A side instead.
Felix has struggled to make an impact at Milan, managing just one goal and one assist in his first 10 appearances across all competitions. He has yet to find the net in Serie A, and with Milan not holding an option to buy, he is set to return to Chelsea at the end of the season.
Despite his difficulties adapting to English football, Villa manager Unai Emery is reportedly still keen on Felix and could push for a permanent transfer. Chelsea, open to selling the Portuguese forward, will demand a significant fee, having spent £46.3m to bring him back from Atletico Madrid last year.
Villa, however, faces financial challenges in securing Felix’s signature. The attacker’s wages—currently £67,100 per week at Milan—could be a stumbling block. Additionally, Villa is still weighing up options for other attacking reinforcements, including potential moves for Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford and Paris Saint-Germain’s Marco Asensio.
Chelsea remains intent on recouping their investment and is unwilling to sell Felix at a loss. If a suitable offer does not arrive, the Blues may opt to loan him out again for the 2025-26 season before seeking a permanent buyer later.
Milan, meanwhile, is unlikely to pursue a permanent deal, given Felix’s underwhelming performances and their own struggles in Serie A. Sitting in ninth place and out of the Champions League, the Italian club may lack the financial resources to keep him beyond this season.
As the summer transfer window approaches, Villa’s pursuit of Felix could depend on their ability to navigate financial constraints and whether they prioritize him over other attacking targets.