“Chelsea mull player swap as Atletico Madrid hold firm on £87m Joao Felix fee”

According to reports, Chelsea are currently in talks with Atletico Madrid to sign Joao Felix on a permanent deal. The Premier League club brought the Portugal international to Stamford Bridge on loan in the January transfer window for around £16 million. However, the 23-year-old has struggled for playing time since Frank Lampard was brought in as caretaker manager last month, starting just once in Chelsea’s last six games. Despite this, Chelsea remain keen on extending Felix’s stay and have already held talks with Atletico ahead of the summer window. Atletico are demanding €100 million (£87m) for Felix but are also open to allowing the forward to leave on loan once again. Chelsea are looking at ways to lower Felix’s asking price and are said to be open to including both Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Marc Cucurella as part of the deal. Aubameyang has already made it clear that he is keen to leave Chelsea this summer, with a return to Barcelona his preferred destination. Cucurella has also struggled to make an impact at Chelsea following his £62m move from Brighton last summer. It’s understood that Atletico have showed an interest in both players ahead of the summer window. Chelsea are also closing in on the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino as their next permanent manager. Reports this week have claimed that the former Tottenham boss is keen for Chelsea to recruit a new goalkeeper, central midfielder and striker in the summer window.