As the winter transfer window draws to a close, AC Milan’s pursuit of Chelsea’s Joao Felix remains alive, adding an element of excitement to the final hours of the market. Despite already securing Santiago Gimenez to bolster their attack, the Rossoneri are not content to rest on their laurels.
Calciomercato report that, with time running out, Milan’s management are still active on multiple fronts. The midfield remains a concern, especially after Youssouf Fofana’s suspension highlighted the department’s limitations in the recent derby. However, the possibility of adding another offensive option for manager Sergio Conceiçao is equally tantalizing, with Joao Felix’s name circled in red on the club’s wishlist.
Jorge Mendes, Felix’s agent, is orchestrating the potential move. The plan is to negotiate a free loan with options for a permanent transfer favourable to Milan. However, Chelsea is seeking a loan fee of around 5-6 million euros, presenting a hurdle in the negotiations.
Despite the player’s openness to the move and Chelsea’s willingness to discuss, significant obstacles remain. Felix’s hefty wages of 6 million euros net per season pose a financial challenge for Milan. To accommodate this, the club needs to create space in their wage bill.
Noah Okafor has been identified as the most likely candidate to make way, but after a failed operation with Leipzig earlier in the window, finding a new destination for him on such short notice is proving difficult. West Ham, several Bundesliga clubs, and Atalanta have shown interest, but time is of the essence.
