Chelsea are making life difficult for Benfica, who are trying to sign Joao Felix from their English counterparts.
Joao Felix is not part of Enzo Maresca‘s plans and is set to leave the Blues this summer.
They are desperate to get rid of him, and it has even been claimed that Felix could be offered to Real Madrid in a potential deal that would see Rodrygo move in the opposite direction.
Benfica, though, are still hoping to re-sign their former player before the transfer window closes.
Chelsea looking to sell Joao Felix to another club offering more money
Signing Felix from Chelsea is proving to be far from straightforward for Benfica, however. As of now, the Club World Cup winners are unwilling to sell to the Portuguese club.
According to A Bola, Chelsea have been resisting Benfica’s advances for Felix as they seek out a higher bidder for the forward.
They have had little success with that, though, with the same outlet stating that Benfica are still in a strong position to sign Felix.
The 25-year-old is not the only Portugal international who is likely to leave Stamford Bridge during this transfer window. Renato Veiga is also expected to depart amid interest from Atletico Madrid.
It is thought that Veiga wants to join Atletico, who sold Felix to Chelsea last summer.
Joao Felix rejects two clubs
What Benfica have going in their favour is the fact that Felix wants to return to the club.
Earlier this month, Felix discussed a potential Benfica homecoming, revealing that joining Bruno Lage’s side is his preference.
Since then, it has been claimed that Felix has rejected approaches from Porto and Flamengo. Porto and Benfica are rivals, while Flamengo play outside of Europe, so it is not hard to understand why the ex-Atletico star would turn down both clubs.
It is good news for Benfica, with whom Chelsea may be forced to do business with as Felix’s list of suitors starts to shrink.
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