Juventus seriously considered picking up Joao Felix this month before stepping aside, allowing Chelsea to pull ahead for the Atletico Madrid talent.
Things have not been easy for the 23-year-old Portuguese forward following his €127m move to Spain back in July 2019. He exploded onto the scene as one of the most exciting youngsters in Europe at Benfica, but has struggled to show his best under Diego Simeone and is now ready for a new adventure elsewhere.
As detailed by Calciomercato.com, super-agent Jorge Mendes made re-homing Joao Felix his priority for the January transfer window and he contacted a number of top clubs around Europe, keen to find a taker.
Juventus expressed interest in the idea and had multiple exploratory talks with the super-agent. It was clear that various sales were needed and none have taken place so far, but even still the 23-year-old Portuguese star was being considered by the Old Lady as recent as last week.
Ultimately the Bianconeri stepped aside, making it clear that they didn’t have the capabilities to carry out that deal this month. Chelsea are now seemingly close to securing Joao Felix’s signature, picking him up on a loan deal.