Chelsea set £35m asking price for Joao Felix as club plan ruthless clear out | OneFootball

Chelsea forward Joao Felix is in the spotlight yet again as speculation about his long-term future rumbles on (the Standard).

An emotional return to Benfica could be on the cards, but there’s a stumbling block.

Felix could headline a wave of exits from Chelsea this summer. The 25-year-old has struggled to find a permanent home since his initial four-year spell at Atletico Madrid.

He failed to make his mark in the Premier League, and despite receiving plenty of high praise for his immense talent from Enzo Maresca, he couldn’t find a place for Felix in the squad.

The Blues are now determined to cut him loose permanently rather than sanction another loan.

After failing to live up to expectations despite playing in three of the traditional top five leagues, European clubs are understandably reluctant to take a chance on the Portuguese forward.

Aston Villa have previously shown an interest, but it didn’t amount to anything.

However, his former employers are now keen to extend an olive branch, with Benfica working to bring him back to Portugal.

Felix is reportedly open to the move and keen to reunite with manager Bruno Lage, who played a massive role in his development during his early days in Lisbon.

The only problem is that Benfica are unwilling to meet Chelsea’s £35 million asking price. They’re only willing to pay half that amount.

Chelsea are also open to parting ways with Christopher Nkunku, who is subject to interest from Manchester United and Bayern Munich.

The Blues could also consider bids for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, although he’s not on the transfer list, while Tyrique George could head out on loan.

Djordje Petrovic has followed Kepa Arrizabalaga through the exit after joining Bournemouth, while Mathis Amougou has completed a move to Chelsea’s sister club RC Strasbourg.

Kendry Paez and Mike Penders could join Amougou, while Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell, Renato Veiga, Axel Disasi, Carney Chukwuemeka, Lesley Ugochukwu and Armando Broja are available.