Gary Neville shares where he thinks Joao Felix will play for Chelsea this season

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Gary Neville has just shared his thoughts on Joao Felix ahead of his imminent transfer to Chelsea.

Atletico Madrid star Joao Felix, who previously had a six-month loan spell at Stamford Bridge in 2023, looks like he’s about to return to the Blues on a permanent basis.

Chelsea fans raised concerns about the Felix deal, but all the speculation points towards him joining this week.

BBC Sport claims that Chelsea have agreed a fee in principle to sign Felix from Atletico, with Conor Gallagher moving in the opposite direction as part of the deal.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano has even given the transfer his famous ‘here we go’ status to confirm it’s all but done.

• READ MORE: What Declan Rice said about Chelsea transfer target Joao Felix when he faced him last year

Gary Neville tips Joao Felix to lead the attack

According to Gary Neville, Chelsea are signing Felix to play in a central striker role. He thinks that the Portugal international could be used by the Blues as a false nine.

“I think Joao Felix – whether you think he is a centre forward or not – will play in that false nine position with the two higher wide players,” Neville said on Sky Sports Main Event (10:55pm, 19 August).

“I do think that’s where they will look to play him. I don’t think he will play him wide or a number 10 that often because I think Cole Palmer has to play in there.

“I think he needs the two quicker ones, [Pedro] Neto and [Christopher] Nkunku, I think he plays Felix and then Palmer in behind, which means one of three midfield players will have to be left out.”

Chelsea options at striker

It’ll be interesting to see if Neville’s prediction about Felix playing through the middle comes true this season.

Yes, Felix’s got the versatility to play anywhere in attack. But the 24-year-old’s at his very best when he’s operating in-between the lines and dribbling one-on-one at defences.

Chelsea’s current options to lead the line include Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu. There’s also still transfer links in this summer window with Napoli frontman Victor Osimhen, who would be the best option for the Blues.

Romano reported a few days ago that Chelsea plan to move late for Osimhen this summer, so he may be a name to watch out for in the final days of the window.