Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr have reached an agreement with world champions Chelsea for the signing of Joao Felix in a deal worth up to £43.7 million.
The 25-year-old Portugal international has been granted permission to travel to Riyadh to undergo a medical and finalise personal terms ahead of the transfer.
He will reunite with compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo at the Saudi Pro League club, which successfully beat off competition from Felix’s former side Benfica to secure his signature.
Chelsea are set to recoup the full £45 million they paid Atletico Madrid for Felix last summer. The forward struggled to secure a regular place in the Blues’ starting XI and spent the second half of last season on loan at AC Milan, earning Chelsea a £5 million loan fee.
The west London club, who lifted the FIFA Club World Cup earlier this month, have already begun reshaping their squad. Goalkeepers Djordje Petrovic and Kepa Arrizabalaga, along with winger Noni Madueke, have been sold in an effort to balance the books.
Chelsea have generated around £130 million from player sales so far this summer, with additional outgoings expected. Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell, Renato Veiga, and Armando Broja are all reportedly available for transfer.
At the same time, the club has invested heavily in new signings, spending £212 million on players including striker Liam Delap, winger Jamie Gittens, and forward Joao Pedro. Chelsea also remain interested in midfielder Xavi Simons and defender Jorrel Hato.
However, the club is under pressure from UEFA to achieve a positive net spend this summer, following a £27 million fine for previous Financial Fair Play breaches.
Failure to comply with UEFA’s financial regulations could see Chelsea barred from registering new players for the Champions League this season.
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