Joao Felix hints at Chelsea stay despite team's struggles

The 23-year-old joined the Blues on loan from Atletico Madrid in January, and he has represented the London club on 18 occasions since his arrival, scoring three times in the process.

As it stands, Felix will return to parent club Atletico this summer, but it remains to be seen whether there is a long-term future for him at Wanda Metropolitano.

The Portugal international's relationship with Atleti head coach Diego Simeone is believed to have broken down earlier this season, and with Simeone now expected to remain with the Red and Whites following some speculation surrounding his future, Felix could again find himself surplus to requirements next season.

A disastrous season has left Chelsea down in 12th spot in the Premier League table, just three points above 14th-placed West Ham United, and the Blues will therefore have no European football next season.

Felix has said that no decision has been made on his future, but he has expressed his happiness at Chelsea and suggested that he would be open to joining the club on a permanent basis.

"I don't know yet on my future, but these four/five months I love it. It's a top club and everyone at the club has been very good to me; my teammates: unbelievable. And I really like to be here," Felix told Chelsea TV.

The attacker has also been heavily linked with a switch to Newcastle United, with the Magpies securing Champions League football for the 2023-24 campaign.

However, Felix has recently hit out at claims that he could make the move to St James' Park in the upcoming market.

Manchester United are also said to have a long-term interest in the Portuguese, and the Red Devils would secure Champions League football for next season if they avoid defeat against Chelsea on Thursday night.

Felix made the move to Atletico from Benfica in 2019, and he has represented the La Liga outfit on 131 occasions, scoring 34 goals and registering 18 assists in the process.

The forward signed a new contract with Atletico before his departure in January, with his current agreement in the Spanish capital due to run until the summer of 2027.

Atletico president Enrique Cerezo recently said that there 'will be a place in the team' for Felix if he returns to the club, but he refused to offer any guarantees over his future.