Joao Felix unsure of Chelsea future beyond end of season

Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix has insisted that it is "impossible" to currently determine whether he will remain at Chelsea past the end of the season.

Despite earning regular game time at Wanda Metropolitano, Felix was allowed to depart for Stamford Bridge on a straight loan deal for the remainder of 2022-23.

On his debut, the Portugal international impressed at Fulham before he received a red card for a dangerous tackle on Kenny Tete.

As a result, the 23-year-old has missed the most recent three fixtures, but he is in line to return for the Blues against West Ham United on Saturday.

While Felix's full focus is on trying to make amends for his error of judgement, talk persists over his long-term future, whether that will be spent at Atletico, Chelsea or elsewhere.

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A report earlier this week suggested that Atletico are ready to demand €140m (£124.3m) should any club put forward a bid for Felix during the summer transfer window.

The former Benfica youngster possesses a contract at the La Liga outfit until 2027, leaving his parent club in a strong position with regards to his future.

In an interview with AS, Felix has revealed that he is enjoying his time at Chelsea and in London, but insisted that he was unsure whether it would be a short or long-term stay.

Felix said: "They don't have a purchase option, so they'd have to reach an agreement with Atletico. I've only been here for a few weeks or so, a month.

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"I'm still getting to know my new surroundings. I really like it here, but it's impossible to say what'll happen in the future."

Despite securing a deal for Felix, Chelsea proceeded to make several other attacking signings in January, including Mykhaylo Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk for a fee in excess of £88m.

The West Londoners also moved to secure deals for Noni Madueke and David Datro Fofana, but Felix was named ahead of both players when it came to selection for Chelsea's Champions League squad.

With Chelsea having failed to score in their last two fixtures, Felix will be hoping to receive game time against the Hammers on Saturday as his side attempt to improve on their current ninth position in the top-flight standings.