Chelsea receive Joao Felix transfer offer as deadline day loan rules explained
AC Milan have submitted a loan offer for Chelsea forward Joao Felix, football.london understands.
The Blues are willing to let the 25-year-old attacker leave the club before tonight's 11pm deadline with Milan the clear front-runners for his signature. Felix's agent Jorge Mendes is said to be working hard behind the scenes to push a deal for his client through, with the Portuguese international only making 12 appearances in the Premier League under Enzo Maresca this term.
Milan have made Chelsea an offer for Felix and the decision now rests with the west Londoners, who have multiple international loan spots free. Caleb Wiley being recalled from his loan at Strasbourg and being sent to Watford for the remainder of the season have made things a bit more straightforward for the Blues in that regard.
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Felix's appearances have been limited this season largely down to the competition he has in the No.10 role - the position Maresca believes he is best in. Cole Palmer is the Chelsea head coach's go-to man in the central position behind the striker, while Christopher Nkunku has also been used there.
"The problem, unfortunately, for Joao and Christo, the manager plays most of the games with one attacking midfielder and that is Cole Palmer," Maresca said last month when asked about Felix's lack of minutes this season. "We have decided to play with an attacking midfielder in most of the games, so this is the reason why Joao and Christo struggle to get minutes - not for any different reasons because they are both fantastic players, fantastic guys who work well.
"The reason why is only because most of the games I decide to play with one attacking midfielder in terms of balance. This is the reason why."
Felix is now expected to complete a move to Milan before tonight's deadline. Chelsea are open to the Portuguese attacker departing with the club feeling they have adept cover in the No.10 position.
