Chelsea were unwilling to sell Joao Felix to Aston Villa in January
Joao Felix spent the second half of last season on loan at AC Milan
Joao Felix spent the second half of last season on loan at AC Milan(Image: AC Milan via Getty Images)
Just months after pricing Aston Villa out of a move for Joao Felix, Chelsea will once again look to sell the Portuguese this summer.
Felix is known to be a long-term target for Unai Emery, who has tried to sign him on multiple occasions.
Villa wanted to sign the former Benfica star last summer, before he was used as part of the exchange that saw Conor Gallagher move to Atletico Madrid.
Enzo Maresca used Felix sparingly in the first half of last season, as he only started three times in the Premier League.
The 25-year-old joined the Blues for £45m, but Chelsea were unwilling to sell him to a Champions League rival back in January.
A loan move to Villa was ruled out by the Blues, who also told Villa they’d have to cough up £60m to sign him.
In the end, Felix left on loan for AC Milan, and Chelsea pipped Villa to Champions League football on the final day of the season.
This summer, Chelsea are expected to explore both permanent and loan options for Felix in the coming months, and they could be more open to working with Villa this time - though it is unclear whether Emery would want him, considering the cost of his wages.
Villa must decrease their wage bill this summer following positive talks with UEFA after they broke financial rules.
Felix, for his part, has suggested that a move back to Benfica could be his most suitable destination.
When quizzed about his next potential move, Felix told Correio da Manha (via Record):
"Everybody knows Benfica is the club of my heart. One day, I'll certainly return.
"I don't know if it's now or in the future. I have some ideas in my head - to stay in England or return to Benfica.
"My family is here. I feel like I need to be home and therefore, Benfica is one of the ideas in my head.
"Yes, Benfica is my home. One day I will return. I don't know if it's now or in a few years but if it happens now, I'll be happy."
Felix, who was previously coached by Bruno Lage, could be reunited in Lisbon. "He's a coach I know and who was important for my career and that could influence my decision," the forward added.
"Of course I'm looking forward to returning to Benfica and that's probably where I'm most inclined - whether it's Bruno Lage or another coach."
Snap up limited edition Aston Villa branded Ozzy Osbourne merchandise
When Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath take to the stage this weekend they will be rightly hailed as the pioneers of heavy metal - and will do so at the home of their beloved Aston Villa.
To celebrate that link with the rockers and the club - a series of brilliant, unique souvenir merchandise is now available.
All of the designs combine retro designs, the Villa colours, and a homage to Ozzy Osbourne and with only a limited amount available - you will need to act fast to get your hands on yours!
There is, for example, a stunning retro Ozzy Osbourne home shirt which you can get your hands on here.
If you want a scarf for the gig or for match days - there is a brilliant Ozzy scarf decked out in retro design and club colours - buy yours now by clicking here
Another superb design right out the 70s is this tracksuit top with Ozzy's name and the club's branding on. Buy yours here!