Aston Villa’s hopes of landing Chelsea’s Portuguese forward Joao Felix before the January transfer window deadline have been dealt a blow. Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has already denied suggestions that Felix could leave Stamford Bridge this month, despite the player’s limited playing time.
Felix has started just three Premier League games for Chelsea since his £45m transfer from Atletico Madrid in August. The 23-year-old’s lack of game time has sparked speculation about his future, with AC Milan also linked with a move for the player.
Maresca, however, remains adamant that Felix is a valued member of his squad. “Joao is a Chelsea player,” he said. “The problem is that we play most of our games with one attacking midfielder, and that’s Cole Palmer. It’s not a reflection on Joao’s ability or work ethic; he’s a fantastic player and a great guy.”
Maresca’s comments suggest that Felix’s limited playing time is purely tactical, rather than a reflection of his ability. The Chelsea boss has opted to play with a lone attacking midfielder in most games, with Palmer being his preferred choice.
While Maresca’s denial may have poured cold water on Villa’s hopes of signing Felix, the transfer window remains open until the end of the month. Villa will be hoping that Chelsea’s stance on Felix changes in the coming weeks, but for now, it seems that the Portuguese forward will remain at Stamford Bridge.
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