A Premier League club has entered negotiations with Chelsea to sign João Félix in a surprising deal ahead of the transfer deadline.

João Félix has been linked with a surprising move to another Premier League club, just five months after joining Chelsea.

The 25-year-old forward signed for Chelsea from Atletico Madrid in August 2024 for £46.3 million, agreeing to a seven-year contract, according to Sky Sports. However, he has struggled for consistency this season, scoring seven goals in 20 appearances, with only one coming in the Premier League.

Félix was notably absent from Chelsea’s 3-1 loss to Manchester City at the Etihad on Saturday, having been granted compassionate leave following a family bereavement. Despite Chelsea’s depth in attacking options, Félix has found it difficult to secure regular starts in the league and has mainly featured in other competitions, such as the Europa Conference League.

Reports now suggest that Félix could leave Stamford Bridge, with interest coming from another Premier League club.

Last month, journalist Fabrizio Romano told GiveMeSport: “João has just arrived on a permanent deal four months ago. I don’t see Chelsea changing their stance on João in January. At the moment, the situation is completely quiet.” However, this position seems to have shifted as the transfer window deadline approaches.

Who could João Félix join?
On Monday evening, Romano provided an update on Félix’s situation via X, stating:
“Aston Villa, one of several clubs monitoring João Félix’s situation ahead of the final days of the window. His agent, Jorge Mendes, is in talks with multiple clubs as reported last week.”

This isn’t the first time Aston Villa has been linked with the Portuguese international. Before his move to Chelsea, Félix was rumored to be a target for Villa, though no deal materialized. Villa manager Unai Emery, who described Félix as a “special player” in March 2023, previously explained why a move didn’t happen.

“He’s a special player, and while it wasn’t completely impossible for us to sign him, he wanted to play for a Champions League team,” Emery said. “He has a high salary, and Chelsea paid a lot for him. I like him, but we were never really in the race. He’s someone who can assist, score, play in tight spaces, and drive into the box. He’s special.”

According to Football Italia, Aston Villa may face competition from AC Milan, who are reportedly considering a loan move for Félix.