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Chelsea have reached a verbal agreement to sign Manchester United and Arsenal target Joao Felix, according to a new report.
The news will come as a major blow to the teams who sit first and fourth in the Premier League respectively, who have both been heavily linked with signing the Atletico Madrid forward.
But a price tag of €21 million put off both sides over making a move immediately, with any loan deal only expected to run until the end of the season.
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Reports have claimed that the relationship between Felix and Atletico boss Diego Simeone has deteriorated, but the forward did start Atletico's 1-0 defeat to Barcelona on Sunday. However, he was substituted late on despite his team needing a goal.
Now, according to The Athletic's David Ornstein, Chelsea have now reached a verbal agreement to sign the Portuguese star on loan.
Chelsea reach 'verbal agreement' to sign Felix
Ornstein states that the Blues are likely to pay around €11 million to sign Felix on loan until the end of the season - a lower figure than previously quoted to Arsenal and United.
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Whilst a deal is not yet done, it appears likely that Felix will be playing Premier League football in London for the rest of the season, with Sunday's defeat to Barcelona looking set to be his last game for Atletico this term.
The Portuguese star is said to have been 'attracted' by the project currently in place at the Blues, who have made a number of significant transfer moves so far this season.
Three players have joined in January, including Monaco defender Benoit Badashile, who signed for a fee of £35 million on a seven-and-a-half year contract. Chelsea also spent over £250 million in the summer, with Marc Cucurella, Kalidou Koulibaly and Raheem Sterling headlining the new arrivals.
But whilst owner Todd Boehly has shown ambition in the transfer market, that hasn't yet translated into consistent results on the pitch. The Blues are currently eighth in the Premier League table, 19 points behind leaders Arsenal.
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The Athletic claim that, should Felix move to Stamford Bridge, he will likely be followed by more additions in the attacking area of the pitch.
For United and Arsenal, it looks as if they may need to look at other options in attack - and Erik ten Hag's side are attempting to seal a loan move for Burnley forward Wout Weghorst.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Joao Felix, Manchester United, Arsenal, Football, Chelsea, Premier League, Atletico Madrid, La Liga, Transfers