is a ‘game-changer’ and Chelsea must beat Manchester United to the forward’s signing this summer, according to Glen Johnson.
The Portuguese ace joined Chelsea on loan for the remainder of the season in January from his parent club .
Felix attracted interest from around the Premier League when it became apparent that he would leave the Spanish capital.
However, Chelsea were the only club that intimated they were willing to pay Atletico’s £11m asking price to take him on loan.
Though Felix has scored just twice at Stamford Bridge, his overall performances have been impressive and he’s made it clear how much he wants to stay in England.
Chelsea have spent £600m across the last two windows and Felix would likely cost around £90m, which would make complying with Financial Fair Play rules difficult.
But, with Manchester United now interested in signing Felix, Johnson says it’s vital Chelsea keep the Portugal forward.
‘He’s certainly won me over more in the last few ,’ Johnson told BetFred.
‘He showed against Liverpool that he’s clearly a class player and normally I don’t like to see clubs go all-out to sign one player, but João is a gamechanger. He’s got eyes in the back of his head and he’s a proper, proper footballer.
‘The need to sign him will be even greater if one of the club’s main rivals came in for him. I don’t like to see clubs break the bank for players and you should only do that if the player is going to be the last piece of the puzzle, but ’s team are miles away from that.
‘In that sense, Joao is probably a luxury they don’t need, but as he’s currently at the club on loan and they have the opportunity to sign him, then they should do what they need to do to keep him, especially if a rival such as come in for him.’
Chelsea will offload a number of players this summer in order to raise funds in the transfer window.
The likes of Mateo Kovacic, Hakim Ziyech, Kalidou Koulibaly, Mason Mount, Christian Pulisic and Callum Hudson-Odoi will all be made available for transfer.
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