Chelsea backed to complete Joao Felix swap deal after latest – pundit
Alan Hutton “isn’t surprised” Chelsea want to tie down Joao Felix to a permanent deal.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Tottenham and Aston Villa defender said a swap for Felix and Christian Pulisic could “suit both parties”.
Felix, 23, joined Graham Potter’s side last month on loan from Atletico Madrid for the remainder of the season.
Despite being sent off in his first appearances for the Blues, Felix has been impressing at Stamford Bridge and the club are keen to make his deal permanent in the summer.
Pulisic, 24, has fallen down the pecking order in recent months and will have 12 months left on his deal at the end of the season.
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes (13 February), Atletico are keen to bring the USA international to La Liga and a potential swap deal between the pair has been suggested.
The Spanish giants signed Felix for around £100million from Benfica in 2019 whereas Pulisic cost the blues just over half of that figure when he joined from Borussia Dortmund.
Hutton suggested it would be a good deal if both parties can agree.
“It would work in terms of what Chelsea want, getting one out and the one in that they want,” he told Football Insider.
“But, it won’t match up figures wise. I think Joao Felix is worth a lot more than Pulisic.
“You see how integral Felix is to that team already, every time he gets on the ball he looks like he could make something happen.
“It does not surprise me that they want to tie him down. Atletico are going to want to recoup a lot of the money they spent on him. If anyone can pay that it is obviously Chelsea.
“If Pulisic is involved in that and it brings the cost down then it might suit both parties.“
In other news, Agbonlahor can’t believe source’s Mason Mount update at Chelsea – ‘they should cut his wages’.