Chelsea have decided against allowing Joao Felix to leave on loan in January, despite growing interest from several top European clubs, including AC Milan.
According to reports from Italy, the Blues are determined to retain the Portuguese forward as they plan their own attacking reinforcements during the transfer window.
Felix rejoined Chelsea in the summer for £45 million after a loan stint at the club in 2023. Despite his significant price tag, the 25-year-old has struggled for consistent playing time under manager Enzo Maresca.
Primarily serving as a backup to Cole Palmer in the attacking midfield role, Felix has managed six goals in cup competitions but has started only three Premier League matches this season.
European Giants Circle
The lack of minutes has attracted interest from several clubs, with AC Milan reportedly leading the race to secure Felix on a temporary deal. However, Chelsea are not prepared to sanction his departure. Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio claims the London club views Felix as an integral part of their squad for the remainder of the season.
In addition to keeping Felix, Chelsea are actively exploring the market for attacking reinforcements. Reports suggest the club is considering moves for Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho and Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens to bolster their offensive options.
AC Milan’s Transfer Moves
Milan, meanwhile, are eyeing other high-profile targets, including England internationals Kyle Walker and Marcus Rashford. However, due to Italian transfer regulations, the Serie A giants would be unable to sign both players during the current window.
Manager’s Take on the January Window
Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s upcoming clash with Wolves, Maresca expressed frustration with the challenges posed by the transfer window.
“Off the pitch, January is a disaster because of all the noise surrounding transfers. It’s not just us; every club and manager struggles with this. Players are human, and when there’s talk about other clubs, their focus inevitably wavers.”
Despite these challenges, Chelsea remain focused on their campaign, and Felix is expected to play a crucial role in their plans for the rest of the season.