Joao Felix is expected to leave Stamford Bridge.placeholder image
Joao Felix is expected to leave Stamford Bridge. | Getty Images
Aston Villa were beaten to a transfer by Chelsea last season but could return for the striker this summer.
Chelsea forward Joao Felix has provided a big transfer hint over his future this summer amid reports of continued interest from Premier League rivals Aston Villa.
The 25-year-old joined the Blues for £45 million last summer with Conor Gallagher moving to Atletico Madrid as part of a swap deal. Felix made 12 Premier League appearances over the first half of the season before being shipped off on loan to AC Milan.
Despite only arriving permanently at Chelsea a year ago, Enzo Maresca appears to have decided that there is no future for Felix in his plans at Stamford Bridge and the striker is expected to be sold this summer.
Aston Villa hold interest in Chelsea forward
The Birmingham Mail carry the latest reports of interest from Aston Villa. The club tried and failed to sign Felix last summer, priced out of a move by Chelsea, but Unai Emery still holds interest in the striker.
Chelsea are expected to explore both permanent and loan options for Felix over the coming weeks and the outlet claims that they could be ‘more open’ to striking a deal with Aston Villa. The Midlands club, who had Marcus Rashford on loan last season but are not set to see the Manchester United man return, would have to be careful with wages after breaking financial rules.
Joao Felix hints at transfer move
Felix has been asked about his future by Correio da Manha and appeared to hint that a move to his home country of Portugal could be more likely than a switch to a Premier League rival. He said: "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 previously worked under Bruno Lage at Benfica and the former Wolves boss is now back in charge of the Portuguese giants, which could present an attractive option for Felix. Asked about working with the manager again, Felix said: "He's a coach I know and who was important for my career and that could influence my decision. 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."
In other news, Kudus sold, Chelsea star signed: West Ham line up with six 'sensible' summer transfers.
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