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Joao Felix's future at Chelsea has been the subject of speculation in recent weeks after spending the second half of last season on loan in Serie A.
The 25-year-old made 21 appearances for AC Milan, scoring three goals and providing one assist. With Chelsea active in the transfer window and having signed Dario Essugo, Felix could see his minutes further limited next season.
As a result, the Portugal international has been linked with a return to Benfica, where he spent most of his youth career. With a move back to Lisbon on the cards, Felix has made his feelings clear about a potential reunion.
With that said, football.london has taken a look at the latest news surrounding Felix in Portugal.
Chelsea wants guarantees for the future
O Jogo reported: "Joao Felix is the main target to reinforce the attack. The striker already has personal terms agreed with the Eagles to return to Benfica, and only an agreement with Chelsea is needed.
"O JOGO understands that the two parties are close in the initial stage of negotiations, with Benfica willing to pay €20million (£17m) for 50% of Felix's rights. Chelsea are even willing to compromise at this point, backing down slightly from the €30m (£26m) initially requested, but they want guarantees for the future.
"In other words, the Blues believe negotiations cannot end once Felix moves to the Estadio da Luz for the 2025/26 season. Chelsea want to ensure that Benfica will be responsible for acquiring the remaining 50% of his rights in the coming years, thus ensuring the club doesn't lose money on a player they paid €52m (£45m) to Atletico Madrid.
"This obstacle isn't insurmountable, but it adds some complications to finalising the deal. Rui Costa and Jorge Mendes are working on the matter to ensure Felix reunites with his new teammates as soon as possible. As O JOGO previously reported, Felix will sit at the top of Benfica's salary hierarchy, with conditions similar to those of captain Otamendi.
"Both players, along with Richard Rios upon his arrival, will slightly exceed the club’s salary cap, earning a net salary of around €3m per year. The 25-year-old forward will also receive performance-based financial incentives."
Bruno Lage is in a hurry to sign Joao Felix
A Bola added: "Bruno Lage hopes Benfica and Chelsea reach an agreement quickly to have Joao Felix as soon as possible -ideally before the Super Cup against Sporting on July 31 at Estadio Algarve. There's still hope that the 25-year-old forward will return to the club before that final, and there is pressure to speed up the process.
"The process is already underway, with businessman Jorge Mendes leading negotiations directly with Behdad Eghbali, one of the main investors in the consortium that bought the London club from Roman Abramovich. Even for Chelsea, a deal with Benfica is a viable option.
"The west London club, who recently won the Club World Cup in the United States, is open to negotiating for a €40m transfer fee, but the Reds could bring that figure closer to €25m - particularly as they have no better alternatives. Felix, who is willing to substantially reduce his salary, has never been this close to returning since leaving in 2019."
What Bruno Lage has said
Speaking last month, the former Wolves boss said: "There must be two things: the desire and the financial aspect. There is desire, and we feel that desire exists on both sides. But there also needs to be the financial aspect: what kind of deal, and how much we have to spend on Joao. On Joao’s side, he must understand that Benfica cannot afford his salary. That needs to be clear.
We are very keen for Joao to return. We know that many players would like to come back, but when the offers arrive, the salary is too low. These two things must align: on one hand, the ability to make and carry out an offer, and on the other, the understanding that in Portugal, clubs do not pay the same salaries as elsewhere."
Felix's stance
"Everybody knows Benfica is the club of my heart. One day, I'll certainly return," he told Portuguese channel CMTV earlier this month. "I don't know if it's now or in the future. I have some ideas in my head - to stay in England or return to Benfica.
"My family are there. I feel like I need to be home and therefore, Benfica is one of the ideas in my head. Yes, Benfica is my home. One day I will return. I don't know if it's now or in a few years but if it happens now, I'll be happy."
Felix, who was previously coached by Lage, added: "He's a coach I know and who was important for my career and that could influence my decision. Of course I'm looking forward to returning to Benfica and that's probably where I'm most inclined - whether it's Bruno Lage or another coach."
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