Chelsea are close to signing Joao Felix on loan until the end of the season, football.london understands. The Portugal international is expected to make the switch to Stamford Bridge for "approximately €11million (£9.7million)" to bolster Graham Potter's attacking options.
The Blues' Premier League league position has taken an enormous hit from last season due to the lack of firepower in the final third. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's late move from Barcelona has failed to provide the goods to fill Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner's departure while Armando Broja sustained a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in November.
Felix's imminent arrival is a much-needed boost to Chelsea's attack, as portrayed by the reaction from the majority of the fanbase. football.london understands that the club have scouted the 23-year-old for some time and their interest has ramped up recently following a continued poor run of form.
READ MORE: What Cristiano Ronaldo said about Joao Felix as Chelsea close in on Atletico Madrid transfer
After crashing out of the FA Cup on Sunday, Chelsea have now lost six of their last nine matches in all competitions. In that period, only five goals have been scored. No surprise a striker is being brought in.
As the proceedings of the deal are finalised, reports in Spain have discussed the potential replacements for Felix and a shock Chelsea figure has been named. Atletico currently find themselves outside the La Liga Champions League places after a recent torrid run.
Diego Simeone's men have won only three of their previous 10 games in all competitions, with them finishing fourth in their Champions League group and crashing out of Europe prior to the World Cup. With Felix expected to make a temporary move and Matheus Cunha already out the door, Atletico are said to be eyeing a replacement.
According to AS, Getafe striker Enes Unal is reportedly on the top of the list of candidates, as is Borja Iglesias from Real Betis. However, it's expected that either will cost the club a hefty fee, meaning Atletico could target cheaper options. And one man who has been named is Aubameyang.
The Chelsea forward is said to be on the Spanish club's 'agenda' alongside Andre Silva and Blues transfer target Marcus Thuram. Aubameyang only joined Chelsea in the summer with Marcos Alonso going the other way, but his return to England has not worked.
In 15 appearances, the 33-year-old has managed only three goals and has failed to nail-down a regular place in Potter's squad. In the Premier League, Aubameyang has started only four games, with his last being the 1-0 defeat to former club Arsenal.
Should Atletico make a move for Thuram, it would rule out a move for the France international out to Stamford Bridge. Chelsea have reportedly opened talks for the Borussia Monchengladbach striker over a possible January deal but have the option to wait until the summer upon the expiry of his contract.
It's unlikely that Chelsea and Todd Boehly would sanction a move for Aubameyang to leave the club this month. With Broja out, the move would leave Felix as the only available striker at the club. However, with the striker's contract expiring next year, inheriting some sort of fee may tempt them.
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