Chelsea are facing a late transfer headache after Joao Felix requested to leave Stamford Bridge before the window closes.
The Portuguese forward, once a fan favorite during his short but impressive loan spell in 2022-23, has struggled for opportunities this season, leading to growing frustration.
Felix joined Chelsea permanently last summer in a £45m deal from Atletico Madrid, where he had originally cost over £100m in 2019.
Signing a seven-year contract, expectations were high, but his limited role under Enzo Maresca has come as a shock. Despite his price tag, the 25-year-old has started only three of Chelsea’s 23 league matches, finding himself behind Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, Pedro Neto, and Jadon Sancho in the pecking order.
Reports from The Transfers Podcast suggest Felix is now actively pushing for an exit before the deadline. If no move materializes, his first-team chances could diminish further, with Chelsea eyeing a last-minute move for Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho.
Aston Villa have been in discussions with Chelsea, with Unai Emery still keen on Felix after targeting him last summer.
Villa could view him as a replacement for Jhon Duran, who has struggled for minutes behind Ollie Watkins and is now close to a move to Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, AC Milan are also monitoring Felix but are also considering Feyenoord striker Santiago Gimenez.
Despite their reputation for big spending, Chelsea have had a relatively quiet January window. However, multiple departures could be finalized before the February 3 deadline, with defender Axel Disasi also linked with a potential exit, attracting interest from Villa.
Maresca’s side had a strong start to the season, positioning themselves as Liverpool’s closest title challengers. But a poor run of form has seen them drop to sixth place, now trailing league leaders Liverpool by 13 points. Their latest setback came in a 3-1 defeat to Manchester City, marking their third league loss in six matches.
Chelsea will be eager to bounce back when they face West Ham on Monday, with former Blues boss Graham Potter aiming to add to their recent struggles.