Chelsea will give “serious consideration” to signing Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix on a season-long loan, according to CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs.

The journalist says the Blues are keen on securing the Portuguese international’s signature but the lack of an option to buy may stop them from going ahead with a formal approach:

Told Chelsea will give serious consideration to a Felix loan. He ticks a lot of boxes, and could also prove a quick fix. But without an option to buy #CFC still have their doubts about moving. A lot now will depend on Atleti. Less concrete offers they get, the more they may give.

— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) December 27, 2022

It is believed that Manchester United, Arsenal, Newcastle and Aston Villa have also been offered Felix, along with a number of clubs on the continent. However, the absence of a purchase clause is putting off most suitors.

Atletico are keen to get the 23-year-old’s £5.3m a year net salary off the wage bill, and they are also thought to be demanding an £8m loan fee. Without the potential to buy the striker outright next summer, though, it is not an attractive proposal.

Felix was signed for £113m in the summer of 2019 and he remains a highly-rated player, despite his recent struggles at Atletico. If the La Liga side do soften their stance on the purchase option, a deal could still be done before the end of January.