Joao Felix Set for Al-Nassr Switch in £43.7m Deal as Chelsea Continue Summer Clear-Out

Joao Felix is on the verge of completing a move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr, with the club agreeing a deal worth up to £43.7 million for the Chelsea forward.

The 25-year-old Portuguese international has been granted permission to travel to Riyadh to undergo a medical ahead of finalising the transfer, which will see him join compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League.

Al-Nassr beat off competition from Felix’s former side Benfica to secure the signature of the former Atletico Madrid player, who spent the second half of last season on loan at AC Milan in a deal worth £5 million.

Chelsea are expected to recoup the full £45 million they paid to Atletico Madrid for Felix last summer, as the club presses ahead with a major squad overhaul. Having already lifted the Club World Cup this month, the Blues have begun trimming their squad in an effort to meet UEFA’s financial regulations.

Goalkeepers Djordje Petrovic and Kepa Arrizabalaga, along with winger Noni Madueke, have already been sold, contributing to a total of around £130 million in player sales. Further departures are anticipated, with Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell, Renato Veiga and Armando Broja all reportedly available for transfer.

Despite the outgoings, Chelsea have also been active in the market, spending approximately £212 million on new arrivals, including striker Liam Delap, winger Jamie Gittens, and Brazilian forward Joao Pedro. The club also retains interest in RB Leipzig midfielder Xavi Simons and Ajax defender Jorrel Hato.

However, UEFA is closely monitoring Chelsea’s financial activity, having fined the club £27 million over breaches of financial rules. The club has been warned that it must finish the summer transfer window with a positive net spend in order to register new players for Champions League competition.