Felix closing in on Benfica return, Badiashile set to remain at Chelsea | OneFootball

Benfica are continuing their negotiations with Chelsea to sign forward Joao Felix this summer, according to A Bola.

Felix’s agent Jorge Mendes is set to meet with Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali to broker a deal for his return to Benfica.

The 25-year-old endured a disappointing loan spell at AC Milan last season, and they opted against a permanent transfer.

The Blues want to sort out Felix’s situation quickly, as he is not in manager Enzo Mareca’s plans.

His former club Benfica want to offer him an escape route, but had a €20 million bid turned down by the Premier League giants.

Chelsea are demanding around €40m, and the former Atletico Madrid star needs to reduce his salary demands for a deal to materialise.

Felix is keen on a return to Benfica as he hopes to revitalise his flagging career. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, he needs to play regularly to secure a spot in Portugal’s squad.

Meanwhile, Benoit Badiashile has put an end to speculation over his future by stating that he will continue with Chelsea this season.

Badiashile was linked with a move to Marseille following a lacklustre 2024/25 campaign, plagued by injuries and a lack of game time.

However, Badiashile says he has manager Enzo Maresca’s support.