Boost for Chelsea with £111 forward set to stay put

Chelsea’s season went from bad to worse on Wednesday as they were beaten 2-0 at home to west London rivals Brentford. 

Cesar Azpilicueta’s own goal put The Bees ahead at Stamford Bridge, before Bryan Mbeumo doubled the visitors’ lead late on.

The Blues have now won just two of their last 13 Premier League matches, and are without a win in all competitions since March 11.

Next up for Frank Lampard’s side is a daunting trip to north London to face title-chasing Arsenal, who will undoubtedly be motivated by their own recent dip in form.

In the meantime, it appears that Chelsea could be handed a boost ahead of next season.

According to The Sun, forward Joao Felix looks increasingly likely to remain at Stamford Bridge beyond this summer.

The Portuguese joined The Blues on loan from Atletico Madrid in January, with the Premier League side paying around £9.7 million in fees.

Since arriving in England, the 23-year-old has made 16 appearances for Chelsea across all competitions, although he has scored just two goals.

Felix has struggled since arriving in England but could stay with the club

It had been reported that the player’s future would depend on whether or not Chelsea finished in the top four, but the report now claims that he is unlikely to return to his parent club despite Chelsea’s dismal campaign.

Atletico have won 12 of the 16 games that they have played since the Portugal international’s departure in January, and it is suggested that the Spanish side have moved on.

The player, who cost Atletico £111 million when he was signed from Benfica in 2019, has made more than 130 appearances for the Spanish side across all competitions, scoring 34 goals and providing 18 assists.

Manager Diego Simeone is said to be keen to offload Felix permanently, but Chelsea are currently unwilling to pay the £88 million that their Spanish counterparts are demanding.

It is claimed that the most likely resolution is that the two sides will reach an agreement over a second loan deal, with Chelsea likely to have to pay £18 million in loan fees, as well as splashing out £250,000-per-week on the player’s wages.