Big-name "already" in talks to leave Chelsea with Saudi move on the cards
da dobrowin： A big-name player is “already” in talks to leave Chelsea this summer, and it is believed a move to Saudi Arabia has emerged as a possibility for him as well.
Chelsea set for plethora of summer exit deals in squad overhaul
da dobrowin： Enzo Maresca and BlueCo have many important decisions to make with regard to the futures of out-of-favour squad players.
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Chelsea are tasked with finding new homes for the likes of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Alfie Gilchrist, Armando Broja, Raheem Sterling, David Datro Fofana, Renato Veiga, Carney Chukwuemeka, Ben Chilwell and Axel Disasi, who were all allowed to depart Stamford Bridge on loan this season.
Chelsea’s next five Premier League fixtures
Date
Everton (home)
April 26th
Liverpool (home)
May 4th
Newcastle (away)
May 11th
Man United (home)
May 16th
Nottingham Forest (away)
May 25th
Barring a surprise, all the aforementioned players appear surplus to requirements under Maresca, with journalist Simon Phillips reporting the club may also listen to offers for “many more”.
When taking potential incomings into account, with Chelsea prioritising the signing of a centre-back, winger and striker (Sky Sports), Maresca’s side appear set for yet another busy summer ahead of their looming Club World Cup campaign.
The Premier League confirmed that a special edition summer window will be open from June 1st to June 10th this year, which allows the likes of Chelsea and Man City to bring in fresh faces before the CWC commences.
The window may allow Chelsea to conduct early exit deals in a no-nonsense fashion too, and 2024 summer flop João Félix is yet another player who looks likely to be up for grabs.
The Portugal international made a big name for himself as one of Europe’s rising stars not so long ago, earning a mega-money £108 million move from Benfica to Atlético Madrid in 2019, but he’s since failed to live up to that price tag.
Chelsea re-signed Felix on a permanent deal last year for around £42 million, but Maresca gave the green-light for him to seal a temporary move to AC Milan midway through 2024/2025, where he’s since failed to impress.
Kyle Walker was seen criticising Felix for not passing the ball, and Fabrizio Romano has already confirmed that Milan have no intention of signing the 25-year-old permanently.
Joao Felix "already" in talks to leave Chelsea for Benfica
According to CaughtOffside, the attacking midfielder is making a head start on resolving his long-term future ahead of the summer.
As per their information, Felix is “already” in talks to leave Chelsea as he eyes an “emotional” return to Benfica, but the Primeira Liga isn’t his only potential landing spot.
Clubs in the Saudi Pro League are expressing an interest as well, so Felix has the option of joining the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo in the Middle East. It would be a disappointing move for him this early in his career, despite the big money which would undoubtedly be on offer.
Former teammates like Álvaro Morata have lauded his “special” talent, but Felix has been critcised for his attitude behind-the-scenes, which appears to be casting a shadow over his obvious ability.