Joao Felix has praised Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia on social media ahead of his return to parent club Atletico Madrid this summer. The 23-year-old is preparing for the last two games on loan at Chelsea with an uncertain future on the horizon.
With Madrid keen to recoup as much of the £111million they paid Benfica for him in 2019, a permanent deal appears to be off the table for the Blues but another loan could yet happen. The player himself is believed to be after another year in the Champions League, something that would rule out Mauricio Pochettino's men for 2023/24.
This hasn't stopped him opening up about his love for London and Chelsea, though. Madrid are set to be no more stable than Chelsea next year with Diego Simeone's long-term future just as unsettled, another factor that could impact Felix's decision.
READ NEXT: 'Secret' Thomas Tuchel Chelsea transfer plan backfires as Mauricio Pochettino set for £52m boost
It hasn't stopped him showing love for one of Europe's breakout stars this season. In Kvaratskhelia, Napoli have unearthed one of the most unexpected explosions for a debut campaign in recent memory with his Champions League and domestic form helping Luciano Spalletti's side to a historic Scudetto win.
The Georgian also advanced to the Champions League quarter-finals with the Naples-based side, losing out to AC Milan across two legs. Despite this, his impact on the team is undoubted and has lead to Felix saying: "Top player! Love the skills." Speaking on The Residency, Felix isn't the first Chelsea player to open up on fellow professionals.
Enzo Fernandez showed admiration towards Felix, saying: "The one that surprised me the most. Top player!"
Felix's comments come with transfer speculation at Napoli rife. The Italian champions are expecting to field enquiries for key players over the window with Victor Osimhen, Kim Min-Jae and Kvaratskhelia the most attractive options for clubs to poach. Spalletti himself could be on the move.
The manager is said to be considering his options after failing to agree a two-year extension with president Aurelio De Laurentiis. He, alongside sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli, are now likely to move on less two months after delivering a first league title for the club in 33 years.
De Laurentiis is reportedly keen on Rafa Benitez as his replacement, meanwhile it puts further doubt on the future of Osimhen, who he had previously said would be staying put. "I will not sell Victor Osimhen this summer — no way," he stated.
"Am I sure to keep everyone next season? Not only keep, I want to add others. I would like to have an American and a Japanese player. But I don't want to sell any of our players."
The film producer has also opened up on their ambition to sign a Japanese and American player in the summer in order to strengthen the squad. With promises being knocked back and transfers rumours flying around, Napoli are certainly a club to watch this summer and Felix has directed Chelsea's attention in the right place.
READ NEXT:
Todd Boehly has last-gasp chance to complete Lionel Messi transfer amid Chelsea strategy
Frank Lampard U-turns on Christian Pulisic Chelsea stance amid Mauricio Pochettino uncertainty
Chelsea 2023/24 new kit latest as 'stunning' Nike pictures emerge amid $75m uncertainty
Everton takeover update and what it means for Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham after huge claims
Transfer news LIVE: Cristiano Ronaldo plan, Liverpool 'agree' deal and Joao Cancelo latest
