Joao Felix will see his loan spell at Chelsea from Atletico Madrid expire at the end of the season, but a return for the following campaign could be on the cards. The 23-year-old has struggled to reach the heights he looked set to hit with some moments of pure brilliance in his first few games playing for the Blues.
A bright debut against Fulham was marred by a straight red card but a goal in the London derby against West Ham on his return seemed to indicate more good things were coming. However, Felix has struggled to have a significant impact in front of goal with interim boss Frank Lampard opting to not start the former Benfica forward in the last three Chelsea games.
With just a few weeks left of the 2022/23 season, the decision over his future is edging closer. Despite his struggles, football.london has been told by all accounts Felix is very settled and loves life at Chelsea.
READ MORE: Chelsea 'ahead' of Man Utd in Tottenham Harry Kane transfer race amid Mauricio Pochettino call
Felix has also discussed his future in England after becoming a fan favourite amongst the Stamford Bridge fanbase. "If I want to stay or not, the future nobody knows," he said in March.
"We don't know what will happen. I am here and the club is so big, it's amazing. Everyone behind the club is so good so I am happy to be here."
The main problem stopping a permanent move is the financial demands from Atletico. An offer close to £100million would likely be enough, but Chelsea do not appear intent on spending that much money, especially as an alternative option has been suggested.
Another loan deal could be agreed between the two parties but, with fees and wages, Chelsea would have to pay a minimum £18million, which doesn't include the Portugal international's wages of around £250,000-per-week. The Blues are big admirers of Felix, but ultimately it looks as though Mauricio Pochettino could have the final say.
According to The Sun journalist Andy Dillon, Felix wants assurances from Pochettino, who is expected to arrive as the Blues next permanent manager, that he will get game time next season.
A mass summer exodus appears in the works at Stamford Bridge which could see numerous Chelsea players depart, but an incoming has already been decided. Christopher Nkunku will join the Blues on July 1 from RB Leipzig and the Frenchman occupies a similar role to Felix which could explain his own stance on wanting to know whether he will have a prominent role.
READ NEXT:
What Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Noni Madueke did at full-time as Chelsea scramble for answers
Chelsea's major Mauricio Pochettino dilemma evident after more debatable Frank Lampard decisions
Chelsea player ratings vs Brentford as Aubameyang and Mudryk cannot prevent Blues defeat
Every word Frank Lampard said on Chelsea jeopardy, exonerating players, Cucurella and Aubameyang
Chelsea given perfect Mauricio Pochettino verdict as Todd Boehly urged to sell £75m trio
