Joao Felix has not played competitively for Atletico Madrid since 2022/23 (Image: Getty)
Chelsea recruiting Joao Felix could spell the end for two other attackers at Stamford Bridge, with Blues transfer chiefs reportedly open to a double sale if the Atletico Madrid star is brought into Enzo Maresca's forward ranks.
Samu Omorodion seemed destined for the Bridge before a hitch in contract negotiations saw his move fall through at a late stage. Now, with Conor Gallagher's move from Chelsea to Atletico, and Julian Alvarez's switch from Manchester City to the Spanish capital both hinging on a player moving from Atleti to the Blues, Felix has emerged as a major possibility.
The Portuguese spent the second half of 2022/23 on loan in London, and Chelsea chiefs were reportedly keen to keep him, but then-manager Mauricio Pochettino wasn't so keen.
Pochettino has since made way for Maresca, clearing the path for Felix's return. According to Fabrizio Romano, his arrival would increase the likelihood of both Noni Madueke and Raheem Sterling leaving before the summer deadline.
£50million man Sterling and £29m signing Madueke could both find minutes hard to come by if Felix joins a star-studded list of Chelsea forwards including Mykhaylo Mudryk, Cole Palmer, Christopher Nkunku, Nicolas Jackson and new signing Pedro Neto.
Chelsea's top-six rivals, Newcastle United, are said to be interested in Madueke, who has impressed during pre-season. And the 22-year-old will reportedly be allowed to leave Stamford Bridge if the Magpies submit a 'serious proposal'.
Noni Madueke is the subject of interest from Chelsea's Premier League rivals, Newcastle (Image: Getty)
Sterling, meanwhile, would be 'expected to leave' the club if Felix makes his return after spending last season on loan at Barcelona. Only Palmer and Jackson scored more Chelsea goals than ex-Man City winger Sterling last season, but his huge wages are putting a strain on the wage bill and putting off suitors, with Juventus reportedly launching a recent enquiry.
Blues co-owner Todd Boehly has committed to another major squad reshuffle this summer. Ian Maatsen, Lewis Hall and Omari Hutchinson are among the club's high-profile departures, with a new crop of youngsters snapped up at great expense.
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Chelsea rounded off pre-season with a 1-1 draw at home to Inter Milan on Sunday, in which Madueke was arguably their standout player. Maresca will hope for greater consistency once competitive action gets underway, having won just one out of six friendly matches over the past three weeks.
The former Leicester City boss will be given a baptism of fire on his Premier League bow as Chelsea face defending champions Man City on Sunday afternoon.
