Football
31 Jan 2025
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Joao Felix: Chelsea Forward a Confirmed Transfer Target for Premier League Rivals

Joao Felix can't break into Chelsea's starting lineup / Justin Setterfield/GettyImages

Aston Villa’s Long-Standing Interest in Joao Felix

Aston Villa’s sporting director, Monchi, has confirmed the club’s persistent interest in Chelsea forward Joao Felix, making him a prime transfer target in the ongoing January window. The Spanish transfer expert has also highlighted Paris Saint-Germain’s Marco Asensio as another player under serious consideration.

With the January transfer window quickly approaching its conclusion, Villa’s transfer dealings have become a hot topic. The club has been involved in multiple transfer stories, including Arsenal’s persistent bids for Ollie Watkins and the high-profile sale of Jhon Duran to Al Nassr for a staggering €85 million (£71m).

Monchi Confirms Villa’s Plans for Transfer Window

During a late-night tour of Spanish radio stations on Thursday, Monchi addressed the club’s financial strategy and ongoing recruitment efforts. Speaking to El Larguero, Monchi explained the club’s priorities following the sale of Duran.

“The first thing we are going to do with the money we receive from the sale of Duran is to keep a portion of it due to the [Financial] Fair Play rules, which are very demanding,” Monchi stated. “A significant part of the income will go to that.”

Monchi then turned his attention to Aston Villa’s primary transfer targets. “Then there are names,” he continued, “one of them is Joao. [Manager Unai] Emery likes him because in the three markets I have been in now the fourth with this one he has always been mentioned and has been a small object of desire for Emery. But it is complicated, and I don’t know if we will be able to be there.”

Joao Felix has made just three Premier League starts for Chelsea this season / Visionhaus/GettyImages
Joao Felix has made just three Premier League starts for Chelsea this season / Visionhaus/GettyImages

Why Emery Wants Joao Felix at Aston Villa

Unai Emery has built a reputation as a manager capable of revitalizing the careers of players who have struggled elsewhere, and Joao Felix appears to be his next potential project. Monchi emphasized Emery’s belief in the Portuguese forward’s talent.

“He is a player with a lot of quality, and Emery, in his history as a coach, has been able to recover players who were given up for lost. He trusts in Joao’s talent,” Monchi said. “The first time, Aston Villa was in the Conference League, and Joao wanted the Champions League, so he chose Barcelona. Then, in the operation with [Conor] Gallagher and Atletico [Madrid], he had to enter into negotiations with Chelsea, and we couldn’t get in.”

Aston Villa Also Interested in Marco Asensio

Villa’s interest in Joao Felix is not their only major pursuit this window. Monchi confirmed that the club has also been monitoring PSG winger Marco Asensio, another player whom Emery has long admired.

“It’s a similar case to that of Joao Felix,” Monchi admitted. “There is also an important love affair. A little before my arrival, Aston Villa tried to sign him, and they were close, but he went to PSG. He is always a player that Emery has had in mind because he believes in his quality.”

Despite their interest, Monchi acknowledges the financial challenges associated with signing high-profile players like Felix and Asensio. “Neither of them are easy,” he told El Partidazo de COPE. “Because in terms of salary and cost, they are not easy. But if there is a coach in world football who recovers players, it is Unai Emery. He has been able to recover talents. Joao Felix has talent, and it is just a matter of finding the right environment to bring out his best version. And Unai does that very, very well.”

Joao Felix’s Situation at Chelsea

At Chelsea, Joao Felix has struggled for regular game time under manager Enzo Maresca, making him a prime candidate for a move this month. With limited Premier League opportunities, the forward may seek a transfer in search of consistent first-team football.

Chelsea, on the other hand, have yet to make any senior signings this transfer window. The club has been linked with a new goalkeeper and has recalled Trevoh Chalobah from his loan spell at Crystal Palace. Additionally, the Blues have emerged as potential suitors for Bayern Munich forward Mathys Tel.

If Felix departs Stamford Bridge in the coming days, Chelsea may turn to Tel as a possible replacement in their attacking lineup. The Frenchman has shown immense potential at Bayern, and his arrival could offer Chelsea a fresh attacking option as they look to strengthen their squad.

Will Joao Felix Make the Move to Aston Villa?

While Monchi’s statements confirm Villa’s strong interest in Joao Felix, the move remains uncertain due to the financial complexities involved. With just days left before the transfer window closes, Aston Villa will have to act swiftly if they are to secure the talented forward’s signature.

Villa fans will be eager to see if Emery and Monchi can pull off another impressive signing. If Felix does make the switch, he could be the missing piece in Villa’s attacking puzzle as they push for a strong finish to the season.

Conclusion: Aston Villa’s Ambitious Transfer Plans

Aston Villa have made their intentions clear this transfer window, with Joao Felix and Marco Asensio emerging as key targets. Monchi’s confirmation of their long-standing interest in both players highlights the club’s ambition to strengthen their squad under Unai Emery.

While challenges remain, Villa’s track record under Emery suggests they could be an attractive destination for players looking to revive their careers. Whether Joao Felix makes the move to Villa Park remains to be seen, but one thing is certain Aston Villa are making serious moves in the transfer market.

With the transfer window nearing its end, all eyes will be on Villa’s next steps. Can they finalize a deal for Joao Felix? Will Chelsea allow the forward to leave? The answers will unfold in the coming days as the January transfer window reaches its climax.

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