Chelsea are planning to build their team around Joao Felix and are eyeing an £88 million summer bid to make his move from Atletico Madrid permanent, according to reports.
Felix joined the Blues on loan from the Spanish club in January and has had an eventful start to life in London.
The Portugal international was sent off on his debut against Fulham, but scored on his return from suspension against West Ham on Saturday.
Spanish outlet Relevo claims that Todd Boehly wants to build the Chelsea side around Felix next season.
Boehly has a strong relationship with Felix’s agent Jorge Mendes, who also represents the London club’s blockbuster January signing Enzo Fernandez.
Chelsea are paying a reported £9m for Felix’s half-season loan but will look at a permanent deal in the summer.
Atleti were previously hoping to bring in around €130-140m (£115-£123m) for a player they signed for £111m from Benfica in 2019.
However, it’s now thought that a bid of €100m (£88m) could tempt them to sell.
The 23-year-old joined Chelsea after mustering five goals in 20 appearances in all competitions in the first half of the season under Diego Simeone.
He started for Chelsea for the first time last weekend, playing in a No.10 role behind Kai Havertz against West Ham.
He had an early strike disallowed for offside before guiding a volley into the back of the net to give the Blues the lead, but they couldn’t hold on as Emerson struck back to claim a draw.
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