Chelsea have opened talks with Atletico Madrid over a deal to sign striker Joao Felix in August, after a deal with Samu Omorodion collapsed. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that the Stamford Bridge club are in talks with Felix’s agent Jorge Mendes over the transfer .

Enzo Maresca’s side had previously agreed to sell midfielder Conor Gallagher to Atletico Madrid. While Gallagher’s sale terms were still in effect, the deal to sign Omorodion from Alaves was hampered by an injury that prevented him from passing a medical.

Desperate to get Gallagher’s move done quickly and without it falling through, Atletico Madrid have now offered the Blues the chance to sign another of their players, Joao Felix.

The Portuguese striker spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Barcelona after being deemed surplus to requirements at the Wanda Metropolitano. The 24-year-old scored 10 goals and provided six assists in 44 appearances in all competitions, but failed to secure a permanent move to the Catalan club. It was clear that his performances were not enough to convince an ambitious club like Barca.

Felix spent the second half of the 2022/23 season on loan at Chelsea, where he played under Graham Potter and Frank Lampard. The former Benfica man scored just four goals in 20 appearances for the Premier League club, prompting Mauricio Pochettino to reject the chance to sign him on a permanent deal.

Atletico Madrid and Felix have made it clear they intend to part ways this summer, with the 1999-born striker linked with a move to Aston Villa. With Chelsea now back in the game, the Portuguese could be on his way to Stamford Bridge.