Chelsea turn down chance to sign Felix...CONTINUE READING THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
Chelsea forward Joao Felix is heading back to Atletico Madrid, according to Spanish club’s president, after Mauricio Pochettino turned down the chance to have the forward in his plans next season.
Felix arrived at Stamford Bridge in January on a five-month loan deal from Atleti worth £9m – but the 23-year-old scored just four goals in 20 games at Stamford Bridge.
Now, Atleti president Enrique Cerezo has announced Chelsea will not take up the option to sign Felix permanently, under the orders of newly-appointed head coach Pochettino.
Speaking at an event in Madrid about his career and the current situation at Atleti, he said: “The truth is at this moment in time, there isn’t a great deal more to add [to the report that Pochettino doesn’t count on him]. We have known for less than 24 hours so don’t have anything planned.
“The Chelsea manager doesn’t want him, he will return when his commitment ends in a matter of weeks and we’ll see what happens. But he is an Atletico de Madrid player.”
Milan closing in on Chelsea star
AC Milan are in talks with Chelsea over the signing of midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek. Loftus-Cheek has one year left on his contract at Stamford Brighe but has the option of a further year. The 27-year-old appeared to say goodbye to the fans when he was substituted in Sunday’s draw against Newcastle.
Earlier this month, Sky Italy reported Milan’s interest, with the Rossoneri thought to be “cautiously optimistic” of getting a deal done.
Juventus front-runners to sign Christian Pulisic in a cut-price deal
According to ESPN, Juventus are front-runners in the race to sign winger Christian Pulisic, with Chelsea prepared to take a big hit on the USMNT international and sell him for a £20m fee this summer.
The Blues will look to offload a number of players during the summer transfer window in order to comply with financial fair play regulations, and the 24-year-old United States international is one of those they are willing to let go, partly to avoid losing him as a free agent when his contract expires in 2024.
Pulisic is also keen to leave Stamford Bridge in pursuit of more regular game time. A number of teams have been offered Pulisic’s services, with ESPN adding that Man Utd, Newcastle, Napoli, AC Milan, and Galatasaray have all been informed about the player’s expected fee and wages, which currently stands at £13m-a-year at Stamford Bridge.
DONE DEALS
OFFICIAL: Everton’s Vinagre confirms return to Sporting
Everton defender Ruben Vinagre has confirmed he will be leaving the club to return to parent club Sporting Lisbon. The Portuguese defender joined on a season-long loan deal and the Toffees have not taken up the option to make it permanent.
OFFICIAL: Coventry sign Bristol City’s Dasilva
Coventry have completed a deal to sign left-back Jay Dasilva from Bristol City. The 25-year-old defender will join after his Bristol City contract expires on June 30.
