Chelsea target Arsen Zakharyan has joked that he's already had a chat with Joao Felix ahead their potential moves to Stamford Bridge this month. The Atletico Madrid star has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League this month, with the Blues set to beat both Arsenal Manchester United to his signature.
football.london understands that the west Londoners are close to signing the 23-year-old on loan until the end of the season. The Athletic add that Chelsea have reached a verbal agreement with the Spanish giants, with Felix believed to be enticed by the project at Stamford Bridge.
It's said that Todd Boehly is expected to pay €11million (£9.7million) - a fee which is below what Atletico initially demanded. With a deal seemingly close to completion, fellow Blues target Zakharyan has joked that he is ready to lineup with Felix.
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Speaking to the SportExpress, the Dynamo Moscow midfielder told Graham Potter how to lineup once the pair join this month. Zakharyan said: "We have already discussed everything with him [Felix] - he is on the left, I am in the centre [laughs]."
Chelsea have taken the next step towards completing the signing of Felix. According to ESPN, he's been granted permission by Atletico to undergo a medical in London ahead of a potential move to Stamford Bridge.
The report that, as a deal nears completion, an option for a permanent move will not be included and the Blues will cover Felix's wages in full. It's said that the Portuguese star will extend his contract at the Wanda Metropolitano until 2027 before leaving.
With regard to Zakharyan, the 19-year-old wonderkid was heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in the summer as Todd Boehly looked to bolster the club's midfield options. It's said that the American billionaire wanted to wrap up a deal for the youngster quickly, but the west Londoners faced a number of complications which ultimately saw negotiations collapse.
Due to British sanctions placed on Russia, as well as various other rules and regulations set by FIFA on the transfer of Russia or Ukraine-based players, a move proved too difficult to complete with not enough time left in the summer window. Despite this, Zakharyan remains hopeful of completing a move to Chelsea.
The Blues have already made three signings in January. If Boehly can wrap up deals for the aforementioned pair, that's five for the month!
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