Chelsea consider offloading two stars to make room for Joao Felix

Joao Felix’s return to Chelsea could spark exits for Raheem Sterling and Noni Madueke, according to reports.

In a dramatic transfer twist on Sunday, a deal to sign Samu Omorodion from Atletico Madrid collapsed with the Blues now interested in re-signing Felix in a deal worth around £40million.

Atletico, who have completed the signing of Julian Alvarez from Manchester City, have also agreed a deal to sign Conor Gallagher from Chelsea but need additional funds to get that move over the line.

The Daily Telegraph report Felix’s arrival back at Stamford Bridge will raise serious questions over the future of Sterling. Juventus are interested in signing the former Manchester City star and have already been in contact over a move to bring him to Turin.

Hi salary, thought to be in excess of £300,000-a-week, could prove to be a stumbling block for the Serie A giants.

Chelsea may also listen to offers for Madueke following the arrival of Pedro Neto. The Portugal international completed his £54m move from Wolves on Sunday, unveiled by the club during their final pre-season game against Inter Milan.

TalkSPORT report his arrival could trigger Madueke’s exit, with the club likely to be open to offers for the winger.

Madueke only signed for the Blues 18 months ago in a £28.5m deal from PSV Eindhoven with Newcastle United monitoring the situation as they look to strengthen in attacking positions.

Chelsea are overloaded with options in that area with the pitch with Sterling, Madueke, Neto, Cole Palmer, Mykhailo Mudryk and Christopher Nkunku all jostling for positions in attack.

The return of Felix would provide another option with the Portugal international adept playing on the left wing, as a no10 or just off the striker.

The former Benfica starlet is thought to be keen on returning to Chelsea having been eager to stay in west London after spending the second-half of the 2022-23 campaign on loan at the club.

Mauricio Pochettino, who left Chelsea this summer, was not in favour of a permanent move, however.