Chelsea set to bag remarkable fee for Joao Felix as £42.7m misfit 'heads to Saudi Arabia' after making just 20 appearances

Chelsea are set to secure a huge fee for Joao Felix despite the forward having made just 20 appearances for the club. 

Felix, 25, initially joined the Blues on loan in 2023 before moving to Stamford Bridge permanently a year later. 

Now, he is reportedly set for a switch to Saudi Arabia following an underwhelming spell at the club. 

According to Sky Sports, the Portuguese international may join Saudi Pro League Al-Nassr - where his compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo plays - as they look to win the title.

Their championship bid has seen them extend Ronaldo's contract and appoint the veteran Portuguese manager Jorge Jesus as their new head coach. 

They are also looking to add Felix to their frontline in a bid to augment their attacking firepower for the 2025-26 campaign. 

Enzo Maresca's side could recoup the £42.7million they paid for him in 2024, which would facilitate their pursuit of midfielder Xavi Simons. 

Felix has endured a tumultuous period in west London, failing to establish himself on loan before then returning last summer. 

However, after seeing his game time become limited under Maresca, he moved on loan to AC Milan in February.

Chelsea are thought to be targeting a move for Simons with the Blues expecting to offload more attacking talent this summer, according to reports. 

Simons is expected to leave RB Leipzig after their failure to secure Champions League football for the upcoming season.

The Dutch international had joined RB Leipzig last summer on a permanent basis, with the deal worth an initial £43m, with a further £26m in possible add ons.

Simons had spent two seasons on loan at the club from French giants PSG, while the former Barcelona academy prospect had also spent a year at PSV.

The 22-year-old is believed to be open to a move to Chelsea this summer, with the Blues having held initial talks with his representatives.

Chelsea have already strengthened heavily in attacking areas during the transfer window, with strikers Joao Pedro and Liam Delap joining for £60m and £30m respectively.

As per Telegraph Sport, a move for Simons would likely depend on outgoings from Stamford Bridge this summer. 

The Blues have already sold Noni Madueke to Arsenal in a £52m deal earlier this week.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca admitted last month that Christopher Nkunku may leave the club this summer.

The Blues appear open to his departure despite signing the 27-year-old on a six-year deal for a hefty £52.7million just two years ago.