Chelsea make first bid to sign Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid

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Chelsea have reportedly just decided to step up interest in their newest summer transfer target.

The Blues have been extremely busy so far in this transfer window, with Pedro Neto arriving at Stamford Bridge on the weekend as the latest recruit.

Now, the transfer rumour mill is strongly linking Enzo Maresca’s side with a move for Atletico Madrid attacker Joao Felix.

Respected journalist Fabrizio Romano recently claimed via X that Chelsea are in discussions to sign Felix from Atletico. Meanwhile, The Daily Mail has reported that Felix is willing to drop his wages to secure a Chelsea move.

The 24-year-old star is very familiar to the Blues fanbase because he previously spent six months on loan at Stamford Bridge in 2023. During that brief stint, he scored four goals in 20 games across all competitions.

• READ MORE: Ally McCoist gives honest thoughts on Chelsea potentially signing Joao Felix

Chelsea bid for Joao Felix

According to O JOGO, Spanish giants Atletico have now received an opening bid from Chelsea for Felix.

It is understood that the Blues have launched a first offer that could be worth €65m (£56m) in total.

The report explains that the Premier League side are offering to pay an initial guaranteed amount worth €35m (£30m). Afterwards, the remaining €30m (£26m) would be paid at a later date.

Apparently, the negotiations between the clubs continue and there’s no agreement yet, but the player is open to returning to West London.

Paulo Ferreira could get his wish

It’s interesting that Chelsea links with Felix have resurfaced one year on from him leaving after a loan.

Former Blues defender Paulo Ferreira was actually someone banging the drum for the club to sign the versatile forward last summer.

Ferreira told A Bola in June 2023: ““Joao [Felix] is a player with enormous talent and the truth is that he even showed it at Chelsea. I would really like him to stay and he himself has already shown a desire to continue, but it’s complicated.”

So, will Ferreira get his wish 12 months later? If Felix does sign, it’s going to be intriguing to see how Maresca goes about fitting him into the side because of such a stacked squad.