As Chelsea crashed out of the FA Cup at the weekend to Brighton, one of the first questions asked of Enzo Maresca was about a player who is not currently at the club.
Joao Felix moved to AC Milan on deadline day of the January transfer window, and the manager was asked if his side would have done better at the weekend if he was still at the club.
Maresca stated he didn’t miss Felix after the game, however the Portugal international has made a strong start to life at his new side.
READ MORE: Chelsea fans are all in agreement about Nicolas Jackson after Joao Felix’s debut goal for AC Milan, ‘everyone knows’…
João Félix celebrates after scoring the 3-1 goal during the Coppa Italia Quarter Final match between AC Milan and AS Roma at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza…
Photo by Diego Puletto/AC Milan via Getty Images
AC Milan could offer Fikayo Tomori or Rafael Leao in swap deal for Joao Felix
He scored on his debut and played a key role in their hard-fought win at the weekend, with Milan likely to push to make that deal permanent at the end of the season.
However, the price tag Chelsea are likely to demand is going to cause them an issue, and could force them to offer players instead to try and get the deal done.
According to CalcioMercato, the Champions League side may offer either Fikayo Tomori or Rafael Leao in any deal for Felix, due to the Blues’ previous interest in the pair.
The centre-back has been a target of many Premier League sides in recent seasons, however his previous time at Stamford Bridge could make Chelsea the favourites should they pursue that avenue.
Leao meanwhile has been near the top of the list for the Blues for a dream winger signing ever since the new owners came into the club, and could be achievable based on the attacking strength Milan currently have.
