Joao Felix Chelsea unveil 2022-23Getty Images

Chelsea sign Joao Felix in £10m loan deal as Man Utd & Arsenal beaten in transfer race for Atletico Madrid star

  • Portuguese star wanted by Premier League giants
  • Blues win the race for forward's signature
  • New contract signed in Spain before heading to England

WHAT HAPPENED? Manchester United and Arsenal were reported to be leading the chase for Felix’s signature at one stage, as they also seek to add attacking reinforcements to their respective ranks, but a deal worth a reported £10 million ($12m) has been put in place by Premier League heavyweights from west London.

WHAT THEY SAID: Felix has told Chelsea's official website of his delight over the switch: "Chelsea is one of the great teams in the world and I hope to help the team reach their objectives, so I am very, very happy to be here and very excited to play at Stamford Bridge."
THE BIGGER PICTURE: Chelsea’s agreement with Atletico does not include a purchase option, meaning that Felix will be heading back to Wanda Metropolitano in the summer. La Liga giants remain reluctant to part with the 23-year-old on a permanent basis after investing €126m (£111m/$135m) in him when luring obvious potential away from Benfica in 2019, and they put a new contract in place before sanctioning a short-term switch to England. Atletico have released an official statement confirming that Felix is now tied to the club through to 2027.

IN TWO PHOTOS:

Joao Felix Portugal World Cup 2022Getty

Joao FelixGetty Images

WHAT NEXT? Chelsea will be hoping that Felix, who has 28 international caps to his name, can hit the ground running in new surroundings as – after sending Romelu Lukaku back on loan to Inter last summer – they have seen the likes of Kai Havertz and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang struggle to deliver an attacking spark in 2022-23.

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