Latest developments
- AC Milan held talks for Joao Felix earlier this window.
- The Portuguese forward is still on Milan's radar.
- Aston Villa are also reported to be in the mix.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (3.5/5): Milan handed Felix boost
AC Milan held talks with Chelsea earlier this month over signing Joao Felix, but their pursuit hit a stumbling block, as the Blues were unwilling to let him leave in a loan deal. It seems the Stamford Bridge outfit have softened their stance, as Aston Villa are also understood to be eyeing a loan move.
However, with Villa only in a position to sign one of Axel Disasi and Felix on loan, the Serie A giants may find themselves in the driving seat once again. Their initial negotiations with the Premier League giants were reported by the very reliable Gianluca Di Marzio (via Sempre Milan).
Value (3.5/5): Loan option appealing for Felix's suitors
At the moment, Milan are thought to be focusing on signing Santiago Gimenez, but Feyenoord are demanding a high fee for their star. It is suggested that should the Rossoneri refuse to meet Feyenoord's demand, they could consider making a move for Felix. The Portuguese star has struggled at Chelsea, but he is still a very lucrative option on loan.
Suitability (3/5): Silky attacking option
Milan are in desperate need of a new attacker who could inject some flair and plenty of goals into their side. In the right environment, Felix is capable of offering both in abundance. The silky forward, who loves to glide past defenders, has seven goals and two assists to his name this season despite very limited opportunity under Enzo Maresca.
Upgrade? (3.5/5): Could bench Morata
Both Rafael Leao and Alvaro Morata have been underwhelming for Milan this term. Felix is versatile enough to play as a left-winger and centre-forward, but considering Morata's abysmal form, the ex-Atletico Madrid star is more likely to bench the Spaniard rather than his countryman.
Logic (3.5/5): Milan more suited
Villa are also in the race to sign the 25-year-old, but Felix has struggled to adapt to English football's physicality. As such, leaving Chelsea for Unai Emery's side is unlikely to do him many favours. Serie A is relatively less physical, and may allow Felix more freedom and space to have fun with the ball at his feet.
Whisper+ verdict: 17/25
Felix appears to be ‘Plan B' for both Villa and Milan, but with the latter more in need of attacking reinforcements, a move to Italy appears a likelier outcome at this stage of the window.
