Chelsea stand firm on Joao Felix demand as Benfica still €13m short of asking price but Blues run huge PSR risk if deal collapses

Chelsea have placed a €54 million (£46m/$62m) valuation on Joao Felix, exactly what they paid Atletico Madrid last year as talks intensify with Benfica over a potential return for the 25-year-old. According to A Bola, the Eagles have offered €27m (£23m/$31m) for 50 per cent of Felix’s rights, which would be enough to see Chelsea comply with profit and sustainability rules (PSR), but the London club are demanding an extra €13m (£11m/$15m) to guarantee a further percentage in the future. That would take the total fee to €40m (£35m/$47m) which is too high for Benfica.

Benfica president Rui Costa is eager to sign Felix in time for the Eusebio Cup clash against Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce. He is personally involved in talks alongside agent Jorge Mendes and hopes to give fans a symbolic reunion with the forward. The Portuguese star has already agreed to lower his wages to make the deal happen, and there’s optimism within Benfica’s camp that a resolution can be reached soon given no other clubs are in for him.

Felix played under current Benfica manager Bruno Lage during the club’s 2018-19 title-winning campaign which was also the breakout season that earned him a €126m (£107m/$144m) move to Los Rojiblancos. The potential reunion adds emotional and sporting value to Benfica’s pursuit.

Talks are expected to continue at pace over the coming hours. The Eagles hope to close the deal before Saturday's Eusebio Cup.