Chelsea transfer news: Striker Joao Felix could be an option for the Blues this summer, but a much cheaper option could be available if Toff Boehly wants to save money
Chelsea face a major decision at the end of the season, with plans being drawn up as to which steps the current regime should take to strengthen the squad. More than £500 million in transfer fees have been spent by Boehly-Clearlake ownership, although the investment has not paid off.
The side currently sit tenth in the Premier League and are in need of an upturn in form, with a clearer view of where the project will go on the pitch. The pressure has been mounting on manager Graham Potter, who has a task in his hands to find his best team first.
“There are challenges when you have a lot of players,” Potter said last month about the size of his squad. “There is a challenge in what role they play because most of the players want to play. They want to play, be on the pitch and help the team. When not, it’s a challenge and a challenge for many reasons at this football club.”
While the more pressing challenge is getting results, the plans for next season will also be on the minds of those at the top. There will likely be a focus on moving players who have no future at the club, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be further additions to strengthen the area.
Either one could be up front, with the need for a striker quite obvious after the baron’s spell in front of goal. Loan star Joao Felix could be an option on a permanent deal, although it could be one that could cost hundreds of millions to land from Atletico Madrid.
There could actually be a much cheaper option in Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino, as the Liverpool Echo understands that the striker has decided to seek a new challenge and will leave after a fine spell which saw him win seven trophies covering every top level. trophy available for the Reds. It remains to be seen exactly where the Brazilian will end up, but he has often operated in spaces that Felix likes, with the qualities to match.
There have been questions about his goalscoring during his time on Merseyside, although he could have scored he has often facilitated dangerous wingers in doing just that. Something similar could be replicated at Stamford Bridge and for a fraction of the price it would take to bring Felix back.