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Atletico Madrid's Joao Felix 'chooses to join Paris Saint-Germain'

Joao Felix 'chooses to join PSG'
© Reuters
Atletico Madrid attacker Joao Felix is keen on a summer transfer to French champions Paris Saint-Germain, according to a report.

Wantaway Atletico Madrid attacker Joao Felix has reportedly earmarked Paris Saint-Germain as his preferred destination for a summer transfer.

The Portugal international's relationship with Rojiblancos boss Diego Simeone broke down last year, and he subsequently joined Chelsea on loan for the remainder of the season.

Felix arrived in North London with the aim of revitalising a misfiring Chelsea attack, but despite showing flashes of quality, he scored just four goals in 20 appearances.

The 23-year-old struggled for starts under Frank Lampard towards the back end of the season as Chelsea laboured to a 12th-placed finish, although there was talk of a possible permanent deal.

However, Mauricio Pochettino has decided that Felix's future does not lie at Stamford Bridge, where Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson have already touched down this summer.

Chelsea's Joao Felix during the warm up before the match on January 12, 2023© Reuters

The former Benfica protege is still contracted to Atletico for another four years - having signed a one-year extension just before moving to Chelsea in order to protect his value - but Simeone is not expected to welcome him back into the team with open arms.

A summer exit is therefore expected to come to fruition, and both Newcastle United and Wolverhampton Wanderers have been tipped to make a move for Felix ahead of the 2023-24 season.

However, new PSG head coach Luis Enrique has supposedly made Felix one of his top targets, and according to AS, the attacker is also pining for a transfer to the French capital.

Atletico are aiming to recoup a significant chunk of the €127.2m (£108.7m) fee that they paid for Felix four years ago, though, and the report adds that PSG will be quoted €100m (£85.5m) to prise him away from Madrid.

The French champions would be able to sanction such a move, in contrast to Barcelona, who are also said to be admirers of Felix but cannot act on their interest given their financial situation.

Atletico Madrid's Joao Felix on the bench on October 12, 2022© Reuters

PSG have already waved goodbye to Inter Miami-bound Lionel Messi this summer, but a move for Felix will hinge on the future of Kylian Mbappe, whom the French champions are working to sell after his refusal to extend his contract.

The Frenchman surprisingly chose to sign a new two-year deal at PSG last year with an option until 2025, but he could now depart for nothing in under 12 months' time, an unthinkable scenario for Les Parisiens.

President Nasser Al-Khelaifi has affirmed that Mbappe will not be allowed to leave for free, but his options for a summer move are few and far between, especially with PSG still holding out for a hefty €200m (£170.9m) fee.

Neymar's long-term future also remains the subject of much debate, but the Brazilian's chances of a summer exit from the Parc des Princes are considered slim.

PSG have already reinforced their post-Messi attack with the signing of Marco Asensio on a free transfer, while Milan Skriniar and Manuel Ugarte have also touched down in Paris this month.

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Written by
Ben Knapton

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