Aston Villa is actively pursuing the signature of Joao Felix, the Portuguese forward who seems increasingly discontent with his bench role at Chelsea. As the January transfer window nears its close, Villa has emerged as the frontrunner to secure Felix’s services, bolstering their squad with a player known for his versatility and flair.

Villa’s interest in Felix comes as no surprise, especially since they have already made significant moves in the transfer market this winter. Despite adding Donyell Malen to their roster from Borussia Dortmund, the Villans are eager to further enhance their attacking options. This pursuit of Felix highlights their ambition to compete at the highest level, both domestically and in Europe.

Since his £45 million move from Atletico Madrid to Chelsea in the summer, Felix has found himself on the fringes of the starting lineup more often than not. The high expectations following his transfer have not been met with the playing time he anticipated. In the 2024/25 season, Felix has only managed to accumulate less than 1,000 minutes on the pitch across all competitions. Despite this, he has shown glimpses of his quality, contributing seven goals and two assists in 20 appearances.

Chelsea’s decision to sign Felix was met with skepticism due to their already crowded attacking line. Critics argued that integrating another high-profile attacker into an already competitive squad would be challenging. Indeed, these concerns have borne out as Felix has struggled to secure a regular starting position. His talent is undeniable, yet the competition for places at Chelsea is fierce, leading to his current predicament.

Out of favour Chelsea player wanted by Aston Villa:

Aston Villa, under the guidance of Unai Emery, sees Felix as a piece that could fit perfectly into their tactical puzzle. Emery has a history of revitalizing careers, and there’s a belief that he could unlock Felix’s full potential. With Villa, Felix might find the regular football he craves, which could be crucial for his development and form, especially with the European Championships on the horizon.

Transitioning to Aston Villa would not only provide Felix with a fresh start but also enrich Villa’s squad with his unique skill set. His ability to play across the front line, his vision, and his finishing could be exactly what Villa needs to push for a higher finish in the Premier League standings or make deeper runs in cup competitions.

While it’s true that Felix’s Chelsea chapter has been less than stellar, his potential remains high. Aston Villa’s proactive approach in this transfer saga could be the key to unlocking that potential. If the deal goes through, it could prove to be a masterstroke for both Felix, who needs consistent game time, and for Villa, who are looking to make a statement in the footballing world. This move might just be the perfect scenario for all parties involved, offering Felix a chance to shine again and Villa a chance to cement their place among England’s elite.