Chelsea have been scouting Joao Felix this season but interest in the Atletico Madrid forward remains tentative at this stage, football.london understands.
The Blues found out on Tuesday afternoon that Armando Broja is set to miss the remainder of the season after he ruptured his cruciate ligament in his right knee, football.london understands. The 21-year-old striker requires surgery and will start his rehabilitation programme soon.
Chelsea had already discussed the possibility of bringing a new attacker to Stamford Bridge over the January transfer window, but with the news of Broja's season-ending injury, it could force the club's hand somewhat. One name that has been heavily mentioned in recent days if Felix, who wants to leave Atletico Madrid.
READ MORE: Chelsea injury scare shows what Graham Potter needs before January transfer window
The 23-year-old attacker, who has just over three years remaining on his contract in the Spanish capital, does not have a good relationship with Diego Simeone at the moment, according to the club's CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin.
Speaking to AS, the Atleti chief said: "He is the biggest transfer that the club has made. I think he can play at the highest level in the world, but for reasons that are not worth saying now, the relationship between the coach and him is not good. Neither is his motivation.
"The reasonable thing is to think that he will leave. Although I would love him to stay here, he doesn't want to remain at the club."
Comments like these from Gil Marin are sure to put some of European football's top clubs on red alert. Chelsea, being one of the names linked with Felix, will be one of them.
The Blues have scouted Felix on numerous occasions this season already but as it stands, sources have confirmed the interest remains tentative. Whether or not this changes because of the Broja injury remains to be seen.
Chelsea's priority since the season started has been improving the midfield. With Jorginho and N'Golo Kante's contracts expiring at the end of the campaign, they could both leave the club on free transfers.
Declan Rice remains the number one target for the Blues, football.london has been told, and a move is expected to be made next summer for the England midfielder. Ajax man Edson Alvarez also remains on the club's radar and could be looked at in the January transfer window.
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