Aston Villa has made an enquiry about Chelsea winger Joao Felix, who finds himself struggling for game time at Stamford Bridge this season.
The Portuguese international, who joined Chelsea from Atletico Madrid for a reported £46 million last summer, has started just three Premier League matches, falling behind Cole Palmer in the pecking order under manager Enzo Maresca. As the January transfer window reaches its final days, Villa is keen to explore the possibility of bringing Felix to Villa Park to strengthen Unai Emery’s attacking options.
Felix’s time at Chelsea has been far from smooth sailing. Despite signing a six-year deal, the 25-year-old has struggled to adapt to Maresca’s system, which predominantly relies on one attacking midfielder. This tactical setup has limited Felix’s opportunities, as Palmer has firmly established himself as the manager’s first choice in that role. Speaking about Felix’s lack of game time, Maresca recently emphasized that the decision is purely tactical, stating, “The reason why Joao and Christo struggle is because most of the time I play with one attacking midfielder in terms of balance.”
The situation has sparked interest from several clubs, with Aston Villa emerging as a potential destination for the talented forward. Felix’s versatility and creative flair would undoubtedly bolster Villa’s attacking lineup, particularly as they aim to maintain their strong position in the Premier League this season. Felix has shown flashes of brilliance in the past, but his recent struggles for consistency may make a move away from Chelsea an attractive option for both the player and the club.
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Felix’s time in England has also been marked by personal challenges. The winger missed Chelsea’s recent 3-1 defeat to Manchester City after being granted compassionate leave due to a family bereavement. Despite these setbacks, Felix remains a player with immense potential, and a fresh start at Villa could provide the platform he needs to reignite his career.
While Villa’s interest in Felix is significant, Chelsea’s stance on the player remains unclear. Manager Enzo Maresca has refused to confirm whether Felix will leave before the transfer window closes, stating only that both Felix and Christopher Nkunku are “fantastic players” who have struggled due to tactical decisions. The uncertainty surrounding Felix’s future adds intrigue to the final days of the transfer window, with Chelsea potentially open to offers that align with their long-term plans.
As Villa continues to explore their options, the possibility of Felix moving to the West Midlands could depend on whether the two clubs can agree on a suitable deal. For Felix, a move to Villa Park could offer the chance to regain regular playing time and showcase his abilities in a system that better suits his style of play. With the January window closing soon, all eyes will be on Chelsea and Villa to see if this deal comes to fruition.
