Chelsea set to offer 24-year-old star to Atletico Madrid in exchange for Joao Felix

Chelsea ‘pitch Mason Mount in Joao Felix swap deal’ as Atletico Madrid respond. Chelsea are looking to sign Joao Felix on a permanent contract from Atletico Madrid.

Chelsea has reportedly broached the option of moving Mason Mount to Atletico Madrid in exchange for Joao Felix as the Blues strive to land the Portuguese forward on a permanent deal. The former Benfica sensation has made quite the impression thus far at Stamford Bridge, despite being sent off for a terrible lunge on his debut against Fulham.

Yet, Felix has caught the eye in recent draws with West Ham and Borussia Dortmund, encouraging Chelsea to examine the idea of landing him permanently after the season.

According to Spanish journalist David G. Medina, Chelsea has explored the potential of sending Mount the other way to Atletico to sweeten the deal.

Athletic CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin is seemingly not interested, though, since he instead desires a straight cash sale. Wanda Metropolitano’s management tried to secure a big-money deal in January but there were no takers for Felix, who is valued at upwards of £80m.

Having paid a record £107m to buy the attacker from Benfica in the summer of 2019, Atletico is keen to reclaim as much money as possible. While Chelsea has the cash, it seems they would like to attempt and unload players as part of any arrangement.

Mount’s current deal is supposed to continue through the summer of 2024 but he is yet to negotiate an agreement with the Blues regarding an extension. It’s thought he presently earns roughly £80,000 per week which does not even place him inside the top 20 earners in west London. The England international is thought to have recently rejected an offer worth around £200,000 per week.

Liverpool and several other clubs are reported to be following the situation. Mount’s choice is to remain at Chelsea, but given he is now out of the picture, there is no guarantee Chelsea will match his current demands. Chelsea’s loan arrangement for Felix does not include an option or obligation to buy, complicating any transfer.

But should Diego Simeone continue in charge at Atletico next season, it’s almost certain the Portugal international will look to push his way out. The pair’s relationship has deteriorated in recent months, and Felix is embracing life in west London following his January loan switch to the Premier League.

He has been a regular starter under Graham Potter in an attack-minded club, which Felix desired when the move was first discussed. The forward got his first Chelsea goal on Saturday as the Blues drew 1-1 against West Ham.