Chelsea have all but wrapped up a deal for Joao Felix, with the London giants signing the Atletico Madrid talent on a straight loan. However, this does not mean the Blues are done in the market.
The recent injuries to Raheem Sterling and Christian Pulisic meant Graham Potter needed attacking reinforcements. As a result, the two-time UEFA Champions League winners moved quickly to sign the aforementioned Portuguese ace, who was garnering interest from Premier League rivals Arsenal and Manchester United.
The Red Devils and the Gunners were unwilling to pay Atletico's demands but the Blues agreed to comply, coughing up the €11M loan fee (just under $12M) while taking on 100 percent of the player's wages, estimated to be worth around €6M ($6.4) for the duration of this long agreement.
João Félix to Chelsea, here we go! Full verbal agreement reached, loan move on €11m fee with 100% salary covered by Chelsea. #CFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 10, 2023
Before leaving, JF will extend contract with Atléti until 2027.
João will fly to London in the next hours to undergo medical tests and sign. pic.twitter.com/F5aYKMgspa
Joao Felix will join Chelsea on loan until the end of the season with a medical scheduled for this week (as @FabrizioRomano first reported) after a full agreement was reached between #CFC and Atleti. As previously reported, loan fee is £9m plus 100% of Felix's wages (£5.3m). pic.twitter.com/DQHKQKq3MG
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) January 10, 2023
However, given the injury crisis, Boehly and Co. are looking to make further recruitments and are gearing up to challenge another top-six rival for a player. That man is none other than Pedro Porro, the highly-rated Spanish wing-back who has impressed at Sporting CP.
The 23-year-old, who was once under Manchester City's books despite having never played for the Cityzens, is high up on Tottenham's wish list. Spurs currently rely on Emerson Royal and Matt Doherty in that role but neither the Brazilian nor the Irishman have been up to standard under Antonio Conte.
As a result, the North London giants were plotting a move for the player but need to raise some funds in order to trigger his €45M ($48M) release clause. However, Chelsea reporter Simon Phillips has recently revealed to GiveMeSport that the Blues are planning to hijack that deal.
While Porro isn't the only target on Potter's radar for that position, Jeremie Frimpong and Denzel Dumfries being other candidates, the London giants are exploring whether a January move for the Spaniard can be pulled off.
Reece James is the undisputed first-choice right-back/right-wing-back at Stamford Bridge but the English talent has struggled with injuries throughout 2022, with the Premier League side suffering in form as a consequence.
Chelsea are currently 10th in the league and are a whopping 10 points adrift of a top-four spot. Next up for Potter's men is a tricky trip to Fulham in the English top flight.
