Chelsea are reportedly readying a stunning double swap deal with Atletico Madrid in order to complete the permanent transfer of Joao Felix to Stamford Bridge.
Felix, 23, joined the club during the January transfer window on an initial loan deal after signing a new deal at Atletico prior to his arrival in England.
Since debuting in blue, the Portuguese international has impressed despite the club's struggles which currently see them sat in the bottom half of the Premier League table despite spending around £600million on transfers since last summer.
With three goals in his 13 appearances since being sent off on his debut, Felix has been a lone positive during a tough season for the club and could now be set for an extended stay in London ahead of the summer transfer window.
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According to the Evening Standard, Chelsea could be set to offer both Pierre-Emerick Aubemeyang and Marc Cucurella to the La Liga powerhouses this summer in order to persuade them to part ways with the young forward.
It would in turn bring an end to both players' careers at Stamford Bridge just a year after joining as Chelsea look to avoid another potential loan deal by securing the Portuguese on a permanent basis.
Aubameyang has struggled to find his finest form in a Chelsea shirt and was recently brought off by interim manager Frank Lampard at half-time against his former club Arsenal, with his side 3-0 down within the first 45 minutes of action.
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Elsewhere, Cucurella was a recent purchase by the new Chelsea regime after the defender made a £62million move from Brighton and Hove Albion. However, like his teammate Aubameyang, the Spaniard has struggled since arriving at Stamford Bridge.
Regardless of how their business is conducted, with 32 first-team players currently amongst the squad, Chelsea will need to trim their numbers down and swap deals such as this could be an extremely viable way to do so.
Topics: Chelsea, Football, Premier League, Atletico Madrid, Joao Felix
Patrick Rowe