Aston Villa are expected to have a busy end to the summer transfer window, with plenty of work to be done before deadline day.
Unai Emery will be far from satisfied with his transfer activity despite welcoming seven players this summer.
Aston Villa aim to get the squad ready for Champions League participation, with several players required to bolster the depth currently available to the manager.
Throughout the summer, Emery and Monchi have been credited with interest in Joao Felix and now, the forward could finally return to the Premier League.
Aston Villa dealt Joao Felix blow as Fabrizio Romano confirms Chelsea contact
It’s been understood this summer that Emery sees Felix as a dream target for Villa, as the 24-year-old ponders his future beyond Atletico Madrid.
Only last week, it was reported in Spain that Monchi had the green light to move for the forward this window; however, things have since taken a worrying turn.
Fabrizio Romano has now suggested that a Premier League return could be on the cards for Felix, as Chelsea have made contact with Atletico Madrid over a deal.
Romano reported that the two clubs are ‘discussing’ involving Felix as part of the deal to sell fellow Villa target Conor Gallagher to Atletico, adding that his agent Jorge Mendes is in London.
It’s a huge blow for Villa in their pursuit of Felix, who could now return to Stamford Bridge a year after his loan spell at Chelsea ended following the 2022/23 campaign.
Felix transfer update could be a blessing for Unai Emery
Despite there being heavy links between Villa and Felix this summer, there were always some financial reservations over a possible deal.
At Atletico, the 24-year-old was earning a weekly wage of £235k, a figure that would make him the highest-earning player at Villa by a long stretch.
Such finances could cause unsettlement within the squad, as well as adding huge risk to the transfer, considering that the forward has struggled for form over the past few years.
Chelsea seemingly have the finances to accommodate the Portugal international, which could lure Felix back to West London, despite the project that’s on offer in B6.
Based on recent form and finances, Emery may find that a bullet has been dodged in the pursuit of his dream target as Villa’s search for a new forward continues.
