Milan Set to Bet All-In on Chelsea Forward After Rashford Hypothesis Faded

It’s been a relatively quiet winter transfer window for Serie A underachievers Milan despite intense links them with several elite stars. However, according to Gazzetta dello Sport, Sergio Conceicao is pressuring his new employers to secure Joao Felix’s arrival from Chelsea to bolster his attacking ranks.

Outgoing Manchester United megastar Marcus Rashford has emerged as a potential marquee signing. Yet, Milan have seemingly walked away from negotiations with the player’s camp after deeming his lucrative wages unaffordable. Furthermore, they’re eager to sign Kyle Walker on a free transfer from Manchester City.

Walker’s arrival would rule Milan out of contention for Rashford’s signature, considering Serie A rules forbid registering more than two non-EU players per season. With the Rossoneri already wasting one slot on Emerson Royal, they must choose between Rashford and Walker, and they’ve apparently picked the latter.

After pulling the plug on Rashford’s deal, Conceicao has switched his attention to his compatriot. Despite joining Chelsea from Atletico Madrid in a deal worth €52 million in the summer, Felix could be on his way out of Stamford Bridge this winter. Milan could take advantage of their close relationship with Jorge Mendes to lure the 25-year-old to the San Siro.

Mendes also represents Conceicao and has helped Milan sign Rafael Leao from Lille in the past. Felix’s salary is far lower than Rashford’s but would still cost the Rossoneri around €4.5m net per season. But given his versatility and other technical attributes, he could be a decent coup for Conceicao’s struggling side.