Barcelona open negotiations with Atletico Madrid for Chelsea loanee

Barcelona are negotiating with Atletico Madrid for Chelsea loanee Joao Felix

Barcelona are interested in signing Joao Felix during the summer transfer window and have open talks with the club. The 23-year-old was loaned to Chelsea before signing a new contract with Atletico Madrid until 2027.

According to Sport (via Mirror.UK), Barcelona seems keen on signing Felix and have held talks with Rojbilancos. The Portuguese international joined Chelsea on loan for £9.7 million and had a positive start for the club before being dismissed for a rough tackle and receiving a three-match ban.

In Spain, Felix has yet to reach his stride following his £113 million move from Benfica to Atletico Madrid, and his relationship with Diego Simeone has also soured. It would appear that the youngster’s time at the Spanish giants is nearing its end.

Since moving to Spain, the 23-year-old has scored 34 goals and provided 18 assists in 131 appearances for Simeone’s team. However, prior to joining Chelsea, the Portuguese signed a new contract with Atletico until 2027, with no option to buy the player in the summer.

And Barcelona have now joined the race, believing Felix is an ideal player who can help sort things out on their left flank. He will be able to blend into their 4-3-3 system, establishing a pairing with Robert Lewandowski and Ousmane Dembele.

Following the transfers of Antoine Griezmann and Memphis Depay, the Catalan giants and Atletico Madrid have developed strong bonds and Atletico could consider Felix’s move to Barcelona.

Furthermore, it will not actually impact Chelsea, as they will have the player until the end of the campaign and will depend on him to help the club qualify for the Champions League once his three-match ban is completed.

Even if he convinces the club and Chelsea considers buying him the Blues will have to activate the player’s €350 million release clause in order to sign him.

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For the time being, the Portuguese will be mainly concentrated on his loan to Chelsea, and we will hope to gain something from him during his time at Stamford Bridge.