Chelsea is firm on Joao Felix’s future, insisting he can only leave on a permanent deal or a loan with an obligation to buy.
The 25-year-old forward, who returned to Stamford Bridge last summer for £45 million after a previous loan spell, has struggled to secure a regular place under new manager Enzo Maresca.
Felix has only started three of Chelsea’s 23 Premier League matches this season, with Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, Jadon Sancho, and Pedro Neto preferred ahead of him. Frustrated by limited opportunities, Felix is pushing for a late move before the transfer window closes.
AC Milan and Aston Villa are among the clubs interested, but Chelsea has rejected proposals that do not include a guaranteed purchase.
Milan, having already signed Kyle Walker on loan from Manchester City, is keen on a temporary deal for Felix but has yet to meet Chelsea’s demands. The Serie A side is also pursuing Feyenoord’s Santiago Gimenez.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa is navigating a busy transfer window following Jhon Duran’s high-profile move to Al-Nassr. Unai Emery’s side is finalizing loan deals for Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio but remains eager to sign Felix, though negotiations over a transfer fee have stalled.
Villa also had interest in Chelsea defender Axel Disasi on a loan deal, but discussions have lost momentum in recent days. Club president Monchi confirmed Villa’s admiration for Felix, revealing that Emery has long been keen on the Portuguese forward. However, he admitted that securing a deal remains difficult.
Felix’s future remains uncertain, but unless a club meets Chelsea’s conditions, he may have to fight for his place at Stamford Bridge.