Joao Felix to Aston Villa transfer twist as Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has already issued denial
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has previously addressed Joao Felix’s situation at Stamford Bridge, as Aston Villa target the Portuguese forward before the January transfer window deadline.
Felix has only started three times for Chelsea in the Premier League so far this season, following his £45m transfer from Atletico Madrid in August. And while Maresca insists he is a “fantastic” player, he admits Cole Palmer is his first choice in a lone attacking midfielder role.
Felix’s lack of playing time has sparked speculation he could leave Chelsea this month, with AC Milan already linked with the player.
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Asked last week if Felix could depart, Maresca said: “Joao is a Chelsea player. The problem, unfortunately, for Joao and Christo (Christopher Nkunku), the manager plays most of the games with one attacking midfielder and that is Cole Palmer.
“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.”
Asked if this situation means Felix will leave, Maresca issued a denial, saying: “I am not saying that, I am not saying that. I am saying that I like both but the reason why they struggle is because most of the time I play with one attacking midfielder.”
