Chelsea in talks over Joao Felix after Samu Omorodion deal collapses

Chelsea's move for Atletico Madrid striker Samu Omorodion has collapsed, according to multiple reports, and the two clubs are now in talks over the transfer of Joao Felix instead.

The Blues had identified 20-year-old Samu as one of their top striker targets earlier this year. At first, Atletico refused to do business, but softened that stance when trying to strike an agreement for Conor Gallagher, while they also want to bring in Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez.

Towards the end of last week, all three of those deals appeared to be in place, but they are now in jeopardy after Samu's switch to Stamford Bridge fell through.

Samu had initially agreed on a seven-year deal at Chelsea, but several reports from across Europe claim there was trouble signing off on this contract and this move is off.

Atletico need to make a major sale in order to stump up the necessary funds for Gallagher and Alvarez, who will cost them well in excess of £100m. Gallagher is already in Madrid waiting for his transfer to go through, while Alvarez arrived in the city on Monday to undergo a medical.

Fabrizio Romano was first to report on Sunday night that Chelsea and Atletico are now in discussions over Felix, who spent the second half of the 2022/23 season on loan at Stamford Bridge.

Felix's agent, Jorge Mendes, is already in London having helped the Blues bring in Wolves winger Pedro Neto.

Portugal forward Felix returned to Atletico for pre-season training having failed to secure a move away. He joined Barcelona on loan for the 2023/24 campaign, but La Blaugrana are not in a strong enough financial position to take him back permanently, while Aston Villa have shown in interest in recent weeks.

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