Chelsea agree deal to sign third most expensive player in history

Chelsea return to action on Thursday when they make the short trip to face Fulham at Craven Cottage. 

Graham Potter’s side have won just one of their last ten matches across all competitions, but they will be looking to pick up three points against The Cottagers on Thursday.

The Blues are currently suffering with injuries to a number of key players including Ben Chilwell, Reece James and N’Golo Kante, while several other names have been in poor form of late.

With that in mind, owner Todd Boehly looks set to be active in the transfer market this month, and The Blues have just completed their third signing.

As announced by the club, Portugal star Joao Felix has completed a six-month loan move to Stamford Bridge.

The 23-year-old moves to London from Spanish club Atletico Madrid, who paid more than £110 million to sign the star back in 2019; a deal that made him the third most expensive player in football history.

He has made more than 130 appearances for the La Liga side since then, but his relationship with manager Diego Simeone has reportedly soured this season.

Felix has joined Chelsea on loan for the remainder of the season

Atletico were therefore willing to allow Felix to leave on loan, and Chelsea apparently appealed more to him than proposed moves to Manchester United or Arsenal, who were also interested, according to David Ornstein.

The attacking midfielder has scored 34 goals during his time in Spain, including four goals in 14 league games so far this term.

He will add some much needed creativity to Potter’s side, with The Blues having scored just three goals in their last seven matches.

“Chelsea is one of the great teams in the world and I hope to help the team reach their objectives, so I am very, very happy to be here and very excited to play at Stamford Bridge,” the attacker said when joining the club.

It remains to be seen whether or not Felix will be involved in Chelsea’s trip to Fulham on Thursday, with their home fixture against Crystal Palace on Sunday more likely to mark the player’s debut.